PowerShell has gained prominence over cmd.exe due to its deep integration with Windows and enhanced developer tools. It uses .NET framework syntax for automation, allowing for dynamic scripts, while cmd relies on batch scripts. PowerShell outputs .NET objects, improving interoperability but complicating output viewing. It is cross-platform, functioning on macOS and Linux since PowerShell Core 6, reflecting Microsoft's shift towards inclusivity. PowerShell is partly open-source, with development tracked on GitHub, allowing community contributions that enhance its reliability and user satisfaction.