Windows Command Line Tutorial: The Command Line Basics and Command Line Basics for Python

Hi there! In this video, "Windows Command Line Tutorial: The Command Line Basics and Command Line Basics for Python" we're going to look at the Top Four Commands in the Command Line. Every week or two I try to share something I've learned with my friend Ryan. Should be kind of fun!

More specifically, we’re going to look at the four most basic uses of the Command Line Interface (“CLI”) as it so relates to Microsoft Windows (i.e., Command Prompt).

In a later video we’ll look at the Command Line using a Mac or Linux; we’ll look at how the Command Line is different for Windows and Mac or Linux, but we’re not quite yet there.

The Command Line and the Command Line Interface are essential when thinking about using a programming language like Python, and launching a Python Script. Why, you might ask? What does it do?

The Command Line allows you to navigate parts of your computer (i.e., your directory) without reliance on, say your mouse).

For Windows, we generally use the “Command Prompt”. You can also use something like the PowerShell or, if you have a Python distribution using Anaconda, the Anaconda Command Prompt (e.g., on a Windows Machine).

In this video we’ll look at some of the top Command-Line commands, like:
Show your current directory: cd ((good to use when have long file path))
List files and directories: dir
Change directory (i.e., moving forward): cd [name]
Change directory (i.e., moving backward): cd ..
Autocomplete (i.e., select or cycle through folders): cd [then Tab]
Close: cls

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OK -- that’s it. If you want to continue and watch the next-video in our series, check out the link below, otherwise feel free to play around with what you’ve learned and explore. Happy coding!

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HERE ARE A FEW GOODIES AND RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:

-Command Line for Windows specifically-
https://www.cs.princeton.edu/courses/archive/spr05/cos126/cmd-prompt.html
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/a-beginners-guide-to-the-windows-command-line/

-Perhaps check this out if you want to practice-
https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-the-command-line

- Lastly, here are the logo and art attributions -
https://www.python.org/static/community_logos/python-logo-master-v3-TM-flattened.png
https://www.python.org/community/logos/
tools - tools by Ralf Schmitzer from the Noun Project (https://thenounproject.com/search/?q=toolset&i=427596)
terminal by Souvik Maity from the Noun Project (https://thenounproject.com/souvik.maity.52/uploads/?i=643638)