As a developer who frequently works in both Windows and Linux environments, I often find myself switching between the Windows command prompt (cmd) and the Bash shell. While both command line interfaces have their own advantages, there are times when I need to exit Bash and go back to the Windows command prompt. In this article, I’ll share the step-by-step process of how to do this, along with some personal insights and tips.
Exiting Bash Shell
First things first, when you’re working in the Bash shell and you want to return to the Windows command prompt, you need to exit the Bash environment. To do this, simply type the following command:
exit
When you hit Enter, you will be returned to the Windows command prompt.
Using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
If you’re using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you can also exit the current Linux distribution’s environment and return to the Windows command prompt by typing:
wsl exit
This command will effectively exit the current WSL environment and bring you back to the Windows command prompt.
Personal Touch
Personally, I find the ability to seamlessly switch between Bash and cmd quite convenient, especially when working on projects that involve cross-platform development. Being able to jump between the two environments with ease has definitely improved my workflow and productivity.
Conclusion
Exiting Bash and returning to the Windows command prompt is a simple yet valuable skill, particularly for developers who work across different operating systems. Whether you prefer the flexibility of the Bash shell or the familiarity of the Windows command prompt, knowing how to move between the two can make your development experience more seamless and efficient.