Now that you know how to navigate around your computer, it’s time to learn some useful tips and tricks. One of the most basic functions you might want to accomplish is viewing the contents of a directory. If you’re currently in the directory you want to view, simply type “dir” and hit enter. This will show you all of the files and folders inside that directory.
If you’re not in the directory you want to view, don’t worry. You can still list the contents of any directory on your computer without changing your current location. For example, if you want to see what’s inside a folder on your desktop called “slingshot”, just type “dir /desktop/slingshot” and hit enter. This will give you a list of all the files and folders inside that directory, without actually moving you into it.
Another useful trick is to view hidden files and directories. To do this, just add the “/a” parameter to your “dir” command. Be warned, though, that most of the time these files are hidden for a reason. They may contain important system files or files needed by certain applications. So be careful when exploring hidden directories and only do so if you have a good reason, such as checking for a virus.
In summary, the “dir” command is an essential tool for navigating and viewing directories in Windows. With a few added parameters, you can view hidden files and directories and even list the contents of directories you’re not currently in. Just be sure to use these commands wisely and with caution.