Windows PowerShell (now just called PowerShell) is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and scripting language. It[SQ]s built on the .NET framework (and later .NET), which gives it significantly more power and flexibility than the older command interpreter, `cmd.exe`.

Here[SQ]s a breakdown of what makes PowerShell different and better :

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Object-based:

Unlike `cmd.exe` which works primarily with text, PowerShell handles objects. This means that the output of a command isn[SQ]t just text; it[SQ]s a structured object with properties and methods. This allows for much more sophisticated manipulation and processing of data. You can easily filter, sort, and transform the results.

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Cmdlets:

PowerShell uses cmdlets (pronounced "command-lets"), which are small, specialized commands designed to perform specific tasks. They follow a consistent verb-noun naming convention (e.g., `Get-Process`, `Set-Location`, `Remove-Item`), making them easier to learn and remember.

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Piping:

PowerShell[SQ]s piping (`|`) is incredibly powerful. It allows you to chain cmdlets together, taking the output of one cmdlet and using it as the input for the next. This enables complex tasks to be performed with concise, readable commands.

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Scripting:

PowerShell allows you to write scripts using its own scripting language, which is based on C#. This enables automation of repetitive tasks, system administration, and more complex operations.

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Management of Windows and other systems:

PowerShell is deeply integrated into Windows and is used extensively for managing all aspects of the operating system, including users, services, processes, and much more. It can also be used to manage other systems (e.g., Exchange Server, Active Directory) and even non-Microsoft systems with the use of appropriate modules.

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Modules:

PowerShell[SQ]s functionality is extended through modules, which are collections of cmdlets, functions, and other resources. This allows you to add support for various technologies and tasks.

In short, PowerShell is a vastly more powerful and versatile tool than `cmd.exe`. It[SQ]s essential for system administrators, developers, and anyone who needs to automate tasks or manage Windows systems effectively. While it has a steeper learning curve initially, the power and efficiency it offers make it worthwhile to learn.