Definition: A command line interpreter is any program that allows the entering of commands and executes those commands to the operating system.
In most Windows operating systems, the primary command line interpreter is Command Prompt. Windows PowerShell is a more advanced command line interpreter available alongside Command Prompt in more recent versions of Windows.
In Windows XP and Windows 2000, a special diagnostic tool called Recovery Console also acts as a command line interpreter to perform various troubleshooting and system repair tasks.
Any command line interpreter program is also often referred to in general as a command line interface.
Also Known As: CLI, command language interpreter, command line shell, command line interface
Examples:
"The primary command line interpreter in Windows 7 is Command Prompt. Windows PowerShell is another command line interpreter in Windows 7."
