Command Interpreter

Modes of interpreters

All interpreters have two working modes: non-interactive and interactive.

When we choose the non-interactive mode, the interpreter loads the source code file from the disk and executes it. We do not need to type any commands or control the interpreter. It does everything on its own.

When we choose the interactive mode, we type each command to the interpreter manually. If the interpreter is integrated with the OS and works in the interactive mode, it is called a command shell or shell.

A command shell provides access to the settings and functions of the OS. We can perform the following tasks using it:

• Run programs and system services
• Manage the file system
• Control peripherals and internal devices
• Access the kernel features