First Steps with the AROS Shell 

A beginner-friendly guide to using the command line in AROS 

The AROS Shell is one of the most useful tools for learning how the AROS operating system works. At first, it may look a little old-fashioned because it does not use icons or menus in the same way as the desktop. Instead, you type commands into a window and AROS responds with text. This makes the Shell very direct, fast, and powerful once you understand the basic idea.

What is the AROS Shell? 

The Shell is a command line interface. This means that you control the computer by typing words instead of clicking graphical buttons. For example, you can ask AROS to show the files in a drawer, change to another directory, copy files, rename items, or start programs. Many tasks that can be done with the mouse can also be done from the Shell. Opening the Shell On an AROS desktop, the Shell can usually be opened from the Wanderer menu or from a system drawer, depending on the distribution and setup. 

When you open it, a new window appears. This window is where you type commands and read the answers from the system. What does the Shell window look like? The Shell window looks like a normal AROS window, but most of the space is used for text. At the top, it normally has a title bar and the usual window controls for moving, resizing, closing, or changing the window depth. Inside the window, you see text output, a prompt, and a cursor. The prompt shows that the Shell is ready for your next command. For example, a prompt may look like this: System:> This tells you that the Shell is waiting for a command. The part before the greater-than sign usually shows the current location. If you change to another drawer, the prompt may change as well, so you always have a clue where you are working. Typing and running commands Using the Shell follows a simple pattern: type a command, press Enter, and read the result. If you make a mistake before pressing Enter, you can usually correct it with the Backspace key. If the command is unknown or written incorrectly, AROS will show an error message. This is normal when learning and usually just means that the command name, path, or option should be checked. 

Useful shortcuts 

The AROS Shell provides several helpful keyboard features. Enter runs the command you have typed. Backspace and Delete can be used to correct text. The cursor keys can move through the current command line, and the up and down cursor keys may let you reuse earlier commands from the command history. This is useful when you want to repeat a command without typing it again. The Tab key can also be helpful. In many Shell environments, pressing Tab after typing the first letters of a command or file name can complete the name or offer possible matches. This saves time and reduces typing mistakes. Drag and drop Depending on the AROS distribution and desktop configuration, you may be able to drag a file or drawer into the Shell window. This can insert the full path automatically. For beginners, this is especially useful because paths can be long and easy to mistype. Instead of writing the whole path by hand, you can start a command, drag the file into the window, and then continue from there.

Basic commands for beginners 

The first commands to learn are the safe and simple ones. 

Dir Shows files and drawers in the current location. 
CD Changes to another drawer or path. 
CD / Moves one level up in the directory structure. 
Copy Copies files or drawers to another location. 
Delete Deletes files or drawers. Use this carefully. 
Rename Renames a file or drawer. 
Type Shows the contents of a text file. 
MakeDir Creates a new drawer. 
Info Shows information about drives and volumes. 
Avail Shows available memory. 
EndCLI Closes the Shell session.          

Using AROS Shell patterns and wildcards 

AROS follows the AmigaDOS style of pattern matching. Instead of using only the familiar asterisk from DOS or Unix systems, AROS commonly uses special patterns such as #?. These patterns are used when you want a command to work with more than one file or drawer at the same time. 

For example, #? means “any name with one or more characters”. So a command such as Dir #? lists matching entries in the current location. A pattern such as #?.info matches names that end with .info, which is useful when working with icon files. 

AROS Shell patternShort description 

? Matches any single character. 
# Repeats the pattern that follows it zero or more times. 
#? Matches any non-empty file or drawer name. 
#?.info Matches names ending with .info, often used for icon files. 
%.info Uses % as an empty-string match; useful inside more advanced patterns. 
(txt|doc) Matches either txt or doc when used as part of a larger pattern. 
#(AB) Matches repeated occurrences of AB, such as AB, ABAB, or ABABAB. 
~(#?.info) Matches names that do not end with .info. 
[A-D]#? Matches names starting with A, B, C, or D. 
'#? Uses the quote mark to treat #? as literal text instead of a pattern

In the AROS Shell, when you type a command followed by ?, the command usually shows its argument template. This template is a compact description of the parameters and options the command accepts.

How to read command templates

FROMA normal argument, often optional unless marked otherwise
TO/A/A means the argument is required
ALL/S/S means switch; it is either present or not present
QUIET/SAnother switch; used to suppress messages
NAME/K/K means keyword; the option name must usually be written
FILES/M/M means multiple values are allowedOPT/N/N means numeric value expected
TEXT/F/F means the rest of the command line is taken as one argument
OPTION/T/T means toggle; it can turn an option on or o

Included commands from AmigaOS 3.1 / more details here

AROS DOS/Shell Commands – Short Reference This table lists common AROS DOS/Shell commands with a brief explanation of what each command is used for. 

CommandShort explanation 
addbuffers Adds or removes filesystem cache buffers for a device. 
adddatatypes Adds or refreshes datatype descriptors used by the system. 
alias Creates a shortcut name for another command or command sequence. 
ask Asks the user a yes/no question in a script. 
assign Creates or changes logical names for directories or devices. 
automount Automatically mounts configured devices or filesystems. 
avail Shows available and used memory. 
beep Plays a system beep sound. 
binddrivers Loads and binds device drivers during startup. 
break Sends a break signal to a running process. 
BTCtrl a command-line shell utility used to configure and monitor Bluetooth adapters and connections
BTDevLister primary purpose is to scan, identify, and manage active Bluetooth devices in the operating system's environment
BTStackLoader a system background utility or daemon responsible for initializing and managing the newly integrated Bluetooth protocol stack
cd Changes the current directory. 
cdcontrol older utility program used to manage and configure CD-ROM file systems and CDDA (Compact Disc Digital Audio) playback
changetaskpri Changes the priority of a running task. 
checkmem Checks memory for possible problems. 
clip Works with clipboard-related data. 
conclip Enables console clipboard support. 
copy Copies files or directories. 
copytopar Copies output to the parallel port. 
cut Extracts selected parts of text or data. 
date Displays or sets the system date. 
debug Starts or controls debugging functions. 
decoration Changes or manages window decoration settings. 
delete Deletes files or directories. 
devlist Lists available devices. 
dir Displays files and directories in the current or selected directory. 
diskchange Signals that a disk has been changed.
DRadioTool a command-line/Shell utility used to control specific hardware USB FM radio devices 
echo Prints text to the Shell or to a script output. 
eject Ejects removable media if supported. 
else Starts the alternative branch in an IF script block. 
endcli Closes a CLI/Shell process.
endif Ends an IF script block. 
endshell Closes the current Shell. 
endskip Ends a skipped section in a script. 
eval Evaluates arithmetic or logical expressions. 
execute Runs a script file. 
failat Sets the error level at which a script should stop. 
fault Shows a text explanation for a DOS error number. 
filenote Adds or changes a comment attached to a file. 
gdbstop
gdbstub
get Reads the value of a local Shell variable. 
getenv Reads the value of an environment variable. 
gfxcontrol Controls graphics-related settings. 
gpio Controls general-purpose input/output pins on supported hardware
guru command-line utility used to decode cryptographic alert error codes
HDTool  command-line utility used to identify, query, and manipulate hard drives and partition tables
hostname
iconx Runs scripts from Workbench/Wanderer icons. 
identify Identifies file types or system objects. 
if Starts a conditional block in a script
ifconfig a network management command-line utility used to view, configure, and troubleshoot network interfaces
info Shows information about mounted drives and volumes. 
install Installs boot code or prepares a disk for booting. 
ip
ipf
ipnat
iprefs Loads or applies preference settings. 
join Combines several files into one file. 
lab Defines a label used for script jumps. 
leakwatch Helps detect memory leaks for debugging. 
liblist Lists loaded libraries. 
list Displays detailed information about files and directories. 
load Loads a program or module
loadresource command used to preload system resources into RAM to prevent excessive disk swapping and speed up overall performance
loadwb load workbook desktop
lock Locks a device or resource. 
logger Writes messages to a log. 
makedir Creates a new directory. 
makelink Creates a filesystem link
minigzip command-line utility used to compress and decompress files in the standard .gz (gzip) format
mmudump dumps the current configuration and state of the hardware Memory Management Unit (MMU)
mount Mounts a device or filesystem
mountdiskimage mount used with a disk image in the OS shell lets you attach a virtual disk or ISO file so it behaves like a normal, accessible drive 
MountHDF  Its primary purpose is to mount Amiga Hard File (.hdf) images directly into the operating system environment
netstat
newcli new shell open
newshell Opens a new Shell window
openurl automatically open uniform resource locators (URLs)
partition Works with disk partitions. 
path Shows or changes the command search path. 
pathpart Extracts the path part from a full filename. 
ping
pipe Connects command output to command input. 
play Plays a sound or media file if supported. 
print Sends text or files to a printer. 
prompt Changes the Shell prompt text. 
protect Changes file protection flags.
psddevlister
psdstackloader 
quit Exits a script or command sequence. 
reboot Restarts the system. 
relabel Changes the name of a disk volume. 
rename Renames a file or directory. 
requestchoice Shows a choice requester/dialog in scripts. 
requestfile Shows a file requester/dialog. 
requeststring Shows a text input requester/dialog. 
resident Makes commands resident in memory for faster access. 
reslist Lists resident commands or resources. 
route a network administration utility used to view and manually manipulate the system's IP routing tables
run Starts a command in the background
say command to say text using narrator device
search Searches for text in files. 
set Sets a local Shell variable. 
setcache command-line utility used to configure the read-ahead buffer settings for the Smart Filesystem (SFS)
setclock Sets or reads the hardware clock. 
setdate Changes the date stamp of a file. 
setdefaultfont Sets the default system font. 
setenv Sets an environment variable. 
setkeyboard Changes the keyboard layout or settings. 
setlocale set and read locale setting
setowner It is designed to change the owner information (such as user or group IDs) of a specific file or directory
setpatch a system command used at boot time to install critical CPU-specific function patches and temporary updates to the operating system
setpsm Configures power-management-related settings where available. 
SFSCheck system utility command used to check, diagnose, and maintain the integrity of storage devices formatted with SmartFileSystem (SFS)
SFSFormat command-line tool used in AROS (and Amiga-like operating systems) to format partitions with the Smart File System (SFS)
SFSQuery used to view detailed configuration and structural information about disk partitions formatted with the SmartFileSystem (SFS)
shutdown Shuts down the system. 
skip Skips to a label in a script.
SonixCamTool a specialized driver and software tool designed to provide hardware support for Sonix-based webcams and their derivatives 
sort Sorts lines of text. 
stack Shows or sets the stack size for commands. 
stacksnoop Monitors stack usage for debugging. 
status Lists running Shell processes and tasks. 
symboldump Dumps symbol information for debugging. 
tasklist Lists running tasks. 
touch Creates an empty file or updates a file date. 
traceroute a command-line network diagnostic tool included as part of its built-in networking stack (AROSTCP)
type Displays the contents of a text file. 
unalias Removes a command alias. 
Unpack
unset Removes a local Shell variable. 
unsetenv Removes an environment variable. 
UPSTool
uuidgen Generates a unique identifier. 
version Shows version information for commands or system components. 
wait Pauses execution for a specified time. 
waitforport Waits until a named message port exists. 
waitx Waits for a condition or event, depending on implementation. 
WBRun ​execute a program from the Shell exactly as if you had double-clicked its icon on the Workbench desktop
which Shows where a command is found in the search path. 
why Explains the last command error where possible.

Devices and Handlers in the AROS Shell 

In the AROS Shell, a device is not only a physical piece of hardware. It is also a named entry in the DOS namespace that can be used like a file path. Device names usually end with a colon, for example RAM:, SYS:, CON:, or NIL:. This means commands can read from, write to, or open these devices in a similar way to files and directories. 

A handler is the software process that understands how to communicate with such a device. Some handlers represent storage, such as a RAM disk or mounted volume. Others represent input/output streams, such as a console window, printer output, serial output, pipes, or a dummy target. This design is inherited from AmigaDOS and is also useful in AROS because it gives many different resources a common file-like interface. 

For example, a command can write output to a file, to the screen, to a printer-like device, or to NIL: to discard it. The exact devices available can depend on the AROS installation, mounted filesystems, hardware support, and startup configuration. Commands such as info, assign, mount, and devlist help you inspect or manage available devices. 

Device / handlerDescription 

SYS: The main system volume or system assignment. Often points to the booted AROS system location. 
C: Usually assigned to the directory that contains Shell commands. 
S: Usually assigned to the script directory, including startup scripts. 
L: Usually stores handlers and filesystem-related modules. 
LIBS: Usually assigned to the directory containing shared system libraries. 
DEVS: Usually contains device drivers, mount files, and device-related configuration. 
FONTS: Usually assigned to the directory containing installed fonts. 
T: Temporary storage area used by programs and scripts. 
RAM: A RAM disk. Files stored here are kept in memory and normally disappear after reboot. 
DH0:, DH1:, etc. Typical hard disk or partition device names. The exact names depend on the system setup. 
DF0:, DF1:, etc. Traditional floppy disk device names, if such devices or emulation are available. 
CON: Console handler. Opens or represents a console window for text input and output. 
RAW: Raw console-style input/output, generally with less line editing than CON:. 
AUX: Auxiliary serial console-style handler, traditionally used for serial input/output. 
SER: Serial port handler for sending or receiving data through a serial interface. 
PAR: Parallel port handler, traditionally used for parallel-port communication. 
PRT: Printer handler or printer output target, used to send data to the printing system. 
NIL: Dummy device that discards anything written to it. Useful for hiding unwanted command output. 
PIPE: Pipe device/handler used to pass output from one command or program to another. 
CLIP: Clipboard-related device or handler, used for exchanging text/data through the clipboard where supported. 
ENV: Environment storage for variables that can be used by Shell commands and programs. 
ENVARC: Persistent environment storage. Values saved here can survive reboot and be copied to ENV: during startup.        

Beginner Examples for Using the Shell in AROS 

The AROS Shell is a text-based way to control the system. It is useful for tasks that are faster or more precise than using the Wanderer desktop, such as listing files, changing directories, copying files, deleting files, starting commands, or troubleshooting programs. 

Opening the Shell 

In most AROS installations, the Shell can be opened from the desktop by double-clicking a Shell icon or by opening a drawer such as SYS:Tools, SYS:System, or a similar utilities location. The exact location depends on the distribution. 

Showing the current directory 

To show the files and drawers in the current location, use: 

dir 

This lists the contents of the drawer where the Shell currently is. To show the contents of a specific volume or drawer, add its path: 

dir SYS:
dir RAM:
dir Work: 

Changing directory 

To move into another drawer, use cd. For example: 
cd SYS:
cd SYS:Prefs
cd RAM: 

After changing directory, use dir again to see what is inside the new location. 

Going back or moving upward 

To move back to the parent drawer, use a slash character: cd / For example, if you are in SYS:Prefs, this command moves one level up to SYS:. 

Copying files 

The basic command for copying is copy. A safe beginner example is copying a file from RAM: to Work:: 

copy RAM:test.txt Work:test.txt 

This copies the file test.txt from the temporary RAM disk to the more permanent Work: volume. To copy a file without changing its name, the destination can usually be a drawer or volume: copy RAM:test.txt Work: 

Copying a whole drawer 

To copy a drawer with its contents, a recursive option may be needed. Depending on the AROS command version, this is often done with ALL: 

copy RAM:TestDrawer Work:TestDrawer ALL 

This is useful when copying program drawers, example files, source code folders, or unpacked archives. 

Deleting files 

The command for deleting files is usually delete. Beginners should practise first in RAM:, because files there are temporary. 

delete RAM:test.txt 

This removes the file test.txt from RAM:. 

Be very careful when deleting files from SYS:, Libs:, Devs:, or S:, because these locations may contain important system files. 

Deleting a drawer 

To delete a drawer and its contents, a recursive option may be needed. Depending on the command version, this may use ALL:

delete RAM:TestDrawer ALL 

Use this carefully. A recursive delete can remove many files at once. 

A safe practice exercise 

1.       Open the Shell. 
2.       Type cd RAM:. 
3.       Type dir to show the current contents. 
4.       Create or copy a test file into RAM:. 
5.       Copy it to another location with copy RAM:test.txt Work:. 
6.       Check the destination with dir Work:. 
7.       Delete the temporary file with delete RAM:test.txt.
 
Useful beginner tips

Use RAM: for experiments, because it is temporary. ·        
Use dir before deleting, so you can check what is inside a drawer. ·        
Be careful with system drawers such as SYS:, Libs:, Devs:, and S:.
If a file is not visible in Wanderer, it may still appear in the Shell with dir. ·        
Shell commands are powerful, so type paths carefully. 

In short, the AROS Shell lets beginners work directly with files and drawers by typing commands. The most useful first commands are dir to show contents, cd to change location, copy to duplicate files, and delete to remove files. Practising first in RAM: is the safest way to learn.