iti 18 April 2025

📁 Using Basic DOS Commands for Directory Listing, File, and Folder Management

The Disk Operating System (DOS) Command-Line Interface (CLI) allows users to manage files and directories efficiently. In this section, we will learn how to use basic DOS commands to list directories, manage files, and perform other essential file operations.

📘 Introduction to DOS Commands

In DOS, commands are typed into the Command Prompt window to interact with the system. These commands allow you to perform a variety of tasks such as viewing files, navigating directories, and manipulating files and folders.

🧭 Basic DOS Commands

  • dir: Lists the files and directories in the current directory.
  • cd: Changes the current directory.
  • md (mkdir): Creates a new directory.
  • rd (rmdir): Removes an empty directory.
  • del: Deletes a file.
  • copy: Copies a file or folder to a new location.
  • move: Moves a file or folder to a new location.
  • rename (ren): Renames a file or folder.
  • cls: Clears the screen.
  • exit: Closes the Command Prompt window.

📄 Working with Files and Directories

Below are some common tasks related to managing files and directories:

1. 📂 Navigating Directories

  • To see where you are in the directory structure, use the cd command with no parameters:
  • To move up one level in the directory tree, use cd ...

2. 📁 Creating a Directory

  • To create a new directory, use the mkdir command:

3. 💾 Copying Files

  • To copy a file from one directory to another, use the copy command:

4. 🗑️ Deleting Files

  • To delete a file, use the del command:

5. 🔄 Moving or Renaming Files

  • To move or rename a file, use the move command:
  • To rename a file, use the rename command:

📋 Summary

  • DOS commands are essential for managing files and directories in older operating systems or when troubleshooting modern systems.
  • Key DOS commands like dir, cd, copy, del, and md are used for listing, navigating, and manipulating files and folders.
  • Being comfortable with DOS CLI can improve your efficiency in system management tasks and provide a solid foundation for working with more modern operating systems. 💻