Cygwin is a free command line interface that allows programs that were written for Linux and Unix to run on Windows.It provides an environment where Windows applications and tools can run alongside those from Unix or Linux and, for someone familiar with Unix environments, it can mitigate the need to learn a whole new set of skills to perform simple terminal commands when in a Windows environment.Cygwin can become second nature with a little practice, even if it is alien to first time users.
Step 1: The setup.exe is needed.
You need to install Cygwin.Click on the "Install Cygwin" link in the left column.You will be able to download a file and install it from the internet.Click "Next"
Step 2: Pick your settings.
The default installation directory is "c:cygwin" for most users.
Step 3: There is a temporary directory.
Cygwin will store the packages you download here.Any temporary directory will work.
Step 4: You can download through a direct connection.
You will see a list of Cygwin mirrors.Pick the default or choose a random option if it is running slowly.Click "Next."
Step 5: There are software packages to choose from.
If you are new to Cygwin, you will be presented with a long list of packages that are hard to understand.Click "Next" if you are new to Cygwin.It may take a few minutes for the loading bar to complete.
Step 6: You could use Cygwin the same way as you would the other way around.
It might need some tweaking.Adding your user name to "/etc/password" is an example.It's important that you allow it to put an icon on your desktop.You can open a shell window when you double-click that icon.
Step 7: The first few lines should appear.
The first time you use Cygwin, you will see these.You will be greeted with your computer'sname in green text after the initial setup phase.You will input your commands here.
Step 8: Cygwin programs need to be updated.
To update or download more Cygwin compatible programs, simply return to the website and click "Update."When you first downloaded Cygwin, this will take you back to settings.
Step 9: A file can be found.
The search and comparison tools are some of the most basic commands you can use in Cygwin.The following command can be used to find a file.The exam is named EXAMPLE.It is case sensitive and will show you all of your files.
Step 10: A file has a word within it.
To find certain text in a file, you need to use the "grep" command.To find all instances of "EXAMPLE", you would need to input the name of the case.This will show you all the instances of the text "EXAMPLE".This particular command is sensitive.Continue to the next step to find all instances of examPLE.
Step 11: Text can be found regardless of case.
Simply add -i after the grep command to find text.It should look like this: $ grep -i "EXAMPLE"
Step 12: There are two files to compare.
You can use the diff command to compare two files.Simply input the command followed by the names of the two files you want to compare.The two files will be presented one after another.
Step 13: The basic commands can be explored.
The table below shows the basic commands and their corresponding commands in Windows.List directory dir ls clear console, clear copy file(s), copy cp move file, move mv, del rm create directory, change current directory cd, chdir pwd