Windows

Windows offers multiple terminal options for developers and users, and many are widely used. Skills in any or all of these can be very valuable.

Command Prompt

The Command Prompt is a basic terminal emulator that has been included in Windows since the early days. It supports running basic commands, navigating the file system, and running batch scripts. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in modern terminal emulators.

Git Bash

Git Bash is a terminal emulator that is bundled with Git for Windows. It provides a Unix-like command-line environment for Windows, including support for common Unix utilities and shell scripting. It also includes Git-specific features, such as auto-completion for Git commands and syntax highlighting for diffs.

PowerShell

PowerShell is a command-line shell and scripting language designed for system administration and automation. It provides a more powerful and flexible command-line environment than the Command Prompt, with support for features like object-oriented pipelines, remote management, and scripting with .NET objects.

PowerShell includes Intellisense to help complete commands. To accept a suggestion, use the right arrow key (instead of tab).

Windows Subsystem for Linux

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a feature of Windows 10 that allows users to run a Linux environment directly on Windows, without the need for a virtual machine or container. It provides access to a full-fledged Linux system, including a terminal emulator and support for running Linux applications and scripts. WSL can be used for development, testing, and running Linux-based tools and utilities on Windows.

Knowledge of Linux commands can be especially helpful in security and digital forensic investigations.