As developers, we constantly juggle multiple applications while troubleshooting systems. The Windows command line offers powerful shortcuts to bypass GUI navigation. Here's how to leverage these tools effectively:

notepad                     # Launch text editor
calc                        # Open calculator
mstsc.exe                   # Remote Desktop Connection
dxdiag                      # DirectX diagnostic tool (useful for game dev)

msconfig                    # System configuration utility
devmgmt.msc                 # Device manager
compmgmt.msc                # Computer management console
gpedit.msc                  # Group policy editor
lusrmgr.msc                 # Local users and groups

ipconfig /all               # Full network configuration
netsh interface ip show config # Advanced network settings
netstat -ano                # All active connections with PIDs
getmac /v                   # View MAC addresses
arp -a                      # ARP cache table

fsutil file createnew test.txt 1048576  # Create 1MB test file
cipher /w:C:\temp               # Wipe free space (security)
findstr /s /i "TODO" *.cs       # Search for TODOs in C# files

Chain commands for complex workflows:

cd %USERPROFILE%\source\repos && git pull && msbuild /p:Configuration=Release

Create batch files for common tasks (backup.cmd):

@echo off
robocopy C:\Projects \\backup-server\projects /MIR /Z /R:1 /W:1
if %ERRORLEVEL% GTR 3 (
    echo Backup failed with error level %ERRORLEVEL% >> %TEMP%\backup.log
) else (
    echo Backup completed %DATE% %TIME% >> %TEMP%\backup.log
)

For more advanced scenarios, combine with PowerShell:

cmd /c "ipconfig | findstr IPv4" && powershell -Command "Get-Process | Where CPU -gt 10"

• Use clip to pipe output to clipboard: dir | clip
• Create shortcuts: explorer shell:appsFolder\Microsoft.VisualStudioCode_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App
• For quick access: Pin frequently used commands to Taskbar as shortcuts

As developers, we constantly switch between coding environments and system tools. Mastering Windows command-line commands can save hours of manual navigation. Here's a curated list of essential commands with practical examples.

# Open System Configuration
msconfig

# Launch Computer Management
compmgmt.msc

# Access Device Manager
devmgmt.msc

# Recursively search for text in files
findstr /s "search_term" *.txt

# Check disk for errors
chkdsk /f C:

# Display file encryption status
cipher /s:C:\Projects

# Flush DNS cache
ipconfig /flushdns

# Display MAC addresses
getmac /v

# Test network connectivity
ping -t google.com

# Open current directory in Explorer
explorer .

# Launch Notepad quickly
notepad script.js

# Calculator for quick math
calc

# Open Group Policy Editor
gpedit.msc

# View system events
eventvwr

# Disk partitioning tool
diskpart

For more advanced scenarios, combine these with PowerShell:

# Chain commands example
calc && notepad notes.txt

# Redirect output to clipboard
ipconfig | clip

Save these in your profile to create permanent shortcuts:

# Add to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\WindowsPowerShell\profile.ps1
function Open-Projects { explorer C:\Projects }
Set-Alias proj Open-Projects