PowerShell vs CMD: A Detailed Comparison

Not sure which command-line tool to use for your tasks? Let’s break down PowerShell vs CMD and help you choose the best option. 

PowerShell vs CMD is a common comparison in system administration. CMD, the legacy command-line tool, is great for basic tasks and has been around for years. On the other hand, PowerShell is a more advanced, feature-rich environment that excels in complex scripting and system automation. 

Explore the key differences between PowerShell and CMD to understand their strengths and decide which tool best fits your needs. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is PowerShell? 

2) What is CMD? 

3) Difference Between PowerShell and CMD 

    a) Development Maturity 

    b) Cross-platform Compatibility 

    c) Programming Language 

    d) Redirection Capabilities 

    e) Output Management 

    f) Scripting 

   g) Library Support 

   h) WMI Integration 

4) Conclusion 

What is PowerShell? 

PowerShell is a powerful tool developed by Microsoft to improve task automation on Windows systems, which have traditionally struggled in this area compared to Linux. In 2002, Microsoft started working on a new command-line tool called Monad, which evolved into PowerShell. This tool serves as an independent command-line shell that incorporates all the features of the traditional CMD. 

The key improvement of PowerShell is its object-oriented design. It introduces commandlets, or Cmdlets, which enhance its functionality significantly. Unlike CMD, PowerShell is closely integrated with the Windows Operating System. 

Benefits of PowerShell 

If you prefer the simplicity of PowerShell commands, you can implement safeguards to ensure commands are logged and accessible only to authorised users. Notable benefits of Windows PowerShell include: 

a) Free and open-source 

b) Multi-platform application 

c) Task automation 

d) Time-saving 

e) Simple and adaptable 

f) Encrypted scripting engine 

g) Robust Command-Line Interface (CLI) 

h) Easy debugging 

i) Improved management testability 

What is CMD? 

CMD, short for Command Prompt, is a tool in Microsoft Windows that allows users to interact with the computer using text commands. It originated from the early versions of the Windows Operating System, based on DOS, and was first introduced in 1987. 

In Windows and some other Operating Systems, the Command Prompt serves as the main Command-Line Interface. Users often use CMD for basic administrative tasks and automation. 

Benefits of CMD 

One of the main advantages of CMD is its ability to execute instructions instantly. For those accustomed to Command-Line Interfaces, it offers a quick and easy way to perform tasks. Additionally, tasks can be automated using batch files.  

While security professionals often prefer complex GUI-based tools, the simplicity and straightforward nature of the Windows Command Prompt provide significant benefits. Key advantages include: 

a) Requires less memory 

b) Uses less CPU time 

c) Quick performance 

d) Saves time 

e) Automates tasks 

f) Keeps command history 

Build a strong foundation in Cloud Services with our Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Certification - Start your journey today!  

Difference Between PowerShell and CMD 

The comparison between CMD and PowerShell highlights their distinct roles and capabilities in system administration. 

Development Maturity 

CMD has been a core part of Windows since 1987, known for its stability and reliability. However, development for CMD has been stagnant, making it less suited to modern needs. 

PowerShell, while newer, is actively developed and offers advanced features. This makes it a robust tool for system administration today. 

Cross-platform Compatibility 

CMD was originally developed for Windows and a few older operating systems. It is now primarily limited to Windows.  

PowerShell, however, has grown beyond its Windows-only roots and, starting with version 6, supports macOS and Linux, allowing teams in mixed environments to collaborate more effectively. Below is PowerShell in the Ubuntu terminal: 

Programming Language   

CMD uses a simple MS-DOS syntax for basic commands.  

PowerShell, in contrast, uses cmdlets with a "Verb+Noun" structure, offering more powerful and versatile commands (e.g., Get-Process, Get-Service).  

PowerShell also supports aliases, making it easier for users familiar with other shells. 

Redirection Capabilities 

CMD supports basic redirection, such as writing output to files (>, >>) but lacks more advanced redirection tools.  

PowerShell introduces powerful piping and redirection features. It allows users to pass command output directly into other commands, making it more suitable for complex workflows.  

To display only the list of Microsoft processes on your system, you can use PowerShell by entering the following command: 

Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "Microsoft*"} 

Output Management   

CMD can only produce plain text output, which limits its ability to handle structured data.  

PowerShell, however, can output objects that can be formatted as tables, lists, or even CSV files. This makes it much more flexible for data manipulation. For example, you can display the contents of a directory as a list by redirecting the output to the Format-List cmdlet. 

ls | Format-List 

Scripting   

CMD relies on BAT and CMD files, which lack modern programming features.  

PowerShell, with its .NET-based object-oriented scripting, offers advanced functionality, including error handling, complex data structures, and API interaction. 

Library Support 

CMD has no access to external libraries, limiting automation capabilities.  

PowerShell can utilise .NET libraries, allowing it to work with databases, web services, and more. 

WMI Integration 

CMD has limited integration with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), relying on basic text-based output via wmic.  

PowerShell, however, integrates directly with WMI, allowing for advanced automation and WMI query execution through Get-WmiObject. 

Fast-track your career with Microsoft Azure Certification – Get the expertise to excel in the cloud industry! 

Conclusion  

In the debate of PowerShell vs CMD, both command-line tools serve different purposes. CMD is a basic command interpreter that has been around since the early days of Windows. On the other hand, PowerShell offers far more advanced features. This makes it ideal for automating complex tasks and managing systems at scale. 

Automate Admin Processes effortlessly with our Automating Administration with PowerShell AZ-040 Training - Register now to enhance productivity!