While I may not be a software engineer or a developer, my passion for terminal usage has led me to discover ways to enhance the command line experience. Spending time in the terminal can be both productive and surprisingly relaxing, especially for those who appreciate the nuances of Linux. For Windows users, particularly those utilizing PowerShell or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), there are three straightforward methods to elevate your command line interface, making it more visually appealing and functional.
1. Starship Prompt
One of my go-to tools is the Starship prompt. Its sleek design, ease of customization, and compatibility across different shells make it a favorite. Whether I’m using PowerShell or any WSL distribution, I can maintain a consistent configuration, which is a major plus. However, it’s essential to have a NerdFont installed for Starship to work effectively.
Installing Starship is a breeze. For PowerShell, the Windows Package Manager can handle it, while WSL users can opt for various package managers. Alternatively, you can execute the following command directly in your terminal:
curl -sS https://starship.rs/install.sh | shAfter installation, the Starship installer will guide you through the next steps, which typically involve adding a command to your shell’s profile. For WSL using Bash, simply append this line to your .bashrc file:
eval "$(starship init bash)"For PowerShell, include the following in your profile:
Invoke-Expression (&starship init powershell)Customization is done through a configuration file, which can be created with this command:
mkdir -p ~/.config && touch ~/.config/starship.tomlThis command generates a blank config file in the .config directory. You can find templates and examples in the Starship documentation or on GitHub to help you get started. My own configuration, while simple, incorporates features like Git integration and battery status, providing a functional yet minimalistic prompt.
2. Fastfetch
No terminal experience feels complete without a system information display, and that’s where Fastfetch comes into play. This modern alternative to Neofetch is lightweight and endlessly customizable, supporting both Windows and Linux environments seamlessly.
Installation is straightforward, whether through various Linux package managers or tools like winget, Chocolatey, and Scoop on Windows 11. For configuration, generate a config file using:
fastfetch --gen-configThis will create a config file in the .config folder within the Fastfetch directory. Users can explore GitHub for templates or delve into the wiki for further customization options. Fastfetch even allows for custom images, providing a creative outlet for terminal enthusiasts.
3. Windows Terminal Customizations
For those on Windows 11, the Windows Terminal is likely your go-to choice. Its capabilities are impressive, and with a few tweaks, you can make it even more personalized. Simple modifications such as adding the Dracula Theme, adjusting font sizes, and incorporating transparency can significantly enhance the visual appeal.
Customizations can be made through the GUI or by editing the JSON configuration file directly. If you’re looking to hide the version number at the top of your PowerShell window, a quick addition to the JSON file will do the trick:
"commandline": "pwsh.exe -nologo",This adjustment will streamline your prompt, especially when used alongside Fastfetch. Combining these tools with minor tweaks to Windows Terminal can create a polished and efficient command line experience.
A Note on PowerShell Profiles
For those unfamiliar, PowerShell profiles can be a bit elusive. To utilize Starship and Fastfetch upon startup, you’ll need to create a PowerShell profile. Enter the following command to generate one:
if (!(Test-Path -Path $PROFILE)) {
New-Item -ItemType File -Path $PROFILE -Force
}This command will create a blank PowerShell profile in your User Documents folder. Once created, you can add the necessary commands for Fastfetch and Starship, save the file, and reload PowerShell to enjoy your enhanced terminal experience. While there’s much more to explore within PowerShell profiles, these initial steps will set you on the path to a cleaner and more attractive command line interface.
