How to list files in windows using command prompt (cmd). I've tried using ' ls ' as in Linux but ...

Listing Files in Windows Command Prompt: Beyond 'ls'

Learn the correct commands to list files and directories in Windows Command Prompt (CMD), understand their options, and see how they differ from Linux 'ls'.

If you're transitioning from a Linux or Unix-like environment to Windows, you might find yourself instinctively typing ls into the Command Prompt (CMD) to list files. However, Windows CMD uses a different set of commands for directory navigation and file listing. This article will guide you through the correct commands and their various options, helping you efficiently manage files from the Windows command line.

The 'dir' Command: Windows Equivalent of 'ls'

The primary command for listing files and directories in Windows Command Prompt is dir. It functions similarly to ls but has its own unique syntax and parameters. When you type dir and press Enter, it will display the contents of the current directory.

dir

Basic usage of the 'dir' command

Common 'dir' Command Options

The dir command offers a rich set of options to customize its output, allowing you to filter, sort, and format the listing according to your needs. Here are some of the most frequently used options:

flowchart TD
    A[Start: dir command] --> B{Need specific files?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Use /A attribute filter]
    B -->|No| D{Need sorted output?}
    D -->|Yes| E[Use /O sort order]
    D -->|No| F{Need wide format?}
    F -->|Yes| G[Use /W]
    F -->|No| H{Need subdirectories?}
    H -->|Yes| I[Use /S]
    H -->|No| J[End: Display results]

Decision flow for common 'dir' command options

List all files and subdirectories

dir /s

List files in wide format

dir /w

List only directories

dir /ad

List only files

dir /a-d

Sort by date/time (oldest first)

dir /od

Sort by size (smallest first)

dir /os

List hidden files

dir /ah

Understanding 'dir' Attributes (/A)

The /A switch allows you to filter files and directories based on their attributes. This is particularly useful for finding specific types of items, such as hidden files, system files, or read-only files.

dir /a:h
REM Lists hidden files and directories

dir /a:s
REM Lists system files and directories

dir /a:r
REM Lists read-only files

dir /a:d
REM Lists only directories

dir /a:-d
REM Lists only files (excludes directories)

Examples of filtering with the '/A' attribute switch

Practical Steps for Listing Files

Let's walk through some common scenarios for listing files in CMD.

1. Open Command Prompt

Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter. Alternatively, search for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu.

2. Navigate to a directory (Optional)

Use the cd (change directory) command to move to the desired location. For example, cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents.

3. List basic contents

Type dir and press Enter to see a simple list of files and subdirectories in the current location.

4. List all files including subdirectories

Type dir /s to recursively list all files and directories within the current directory and its subfolders.

5. List only directories

Type dir /ad to display only the subdirectories within the current path, excluding files.