PowerShell vs Windows Command Prompt : Which is Better?

PowerShell icon

PowerShell

PowerShell (including Windows PowerShell and PowerShell Core) is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and associated scripting language built on the .NET Framework. Developed by Microsoft

License: Open Source

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux

VS
VS
Windows Command Prompt icon

Windows Command Prompt

Windows Command Prompt, also known as cmd.exe or cmd, is the command-line interpreter on Windows. Developed by Microsoft

License: Commercial

Categories: OS & Utilities

Apps available for Windows

PowerShell VS Windows Command Prompt

PowerShell is a powerful scripting language and shell designed for advanced users, offering object-oriented capabilities, remote management, and extensive libraries. In contrast, Windows Command Prompt is simpler and more user-friendly, making it suitable for basic tasks but lacking the advanced features of PowerShell.

PowerShell

Pros:

  • Powerful scripting capabilities
  • Object-oriented output
  • Extensive libraries via .NET Framework
  • Better error handling and debugging
  • Supports remote management
  • Rich set of built-in cmdlets
  • Advanced pipeline features
  • Customization options
  • Integrated help system
  • Access to WMI and COM objects

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Can be complex for simple tasks
  • Requires more system resources

Windows Command Prompt

Pros:

  • Familiar and easy to use
  • Wide compatibility with legacy scripts
  • Fast execution for simple commands
  • Lightweight and minimalistic
  • Useful for basic file operations

Cons:

  • Limited functionality compared to PowerShell
  • Not suitable for advanced scripting
  • Less powerful error handling
  • No object-oriented features

Compare PowerShell

vs
Compare clink and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare cmder and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare ConEmu and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare Console and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare ConsoleZ and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare Cygwin and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare FireCMD and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare fish and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare GNOME Terminal and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare gow and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare Hyper and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare iTerm and PowerShell and decide which is most suitable for you.