command

command

Computing a word or phrase that can be selected from a menu or typed after a prompt in order to carry out an action

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

command

[kə′mand]

(computer science)

A signal that initiates a predetermined type of computer operation that is defined by an instruction.

(control systems)

An independent signal in a feedback control system, from which the dependent signals are controlled in a predetermined manner.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

command

(operating system)

A character string which tells a program to perform a specific action. Most commands take arguments which either modify the action performed or supply it with input. Commands may be typed by the user or read from a file by a command interpreter. It is also common to refer to menu items as commands.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

command

(1) (noun) An instruction for the computer. See command-driven and command line.

(2) (verb) To direct the computer to perform an operation by typing in an instruction (a command) or by selecting an icon or an option in a menu. See menu-driven.

Copyright © 1981-2025 by The Computer Language Company Inc. All Rights reserved. THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Command

 

(1) A temporary or permanent troop organization (team) with 3 or more men, designated to perform particular services or other duties.

(2) An order of the commander (senior man) expressed in concise form precisely as defined by the military regulations and manuals. A command is subdivided into the cautionary and executory parts. In the command “Squad, to the attack—forward!” the first words are cautionary and the last word, “forward,” is the executory part. Commands may also consist of nothing but the executory part, such as “Attention” and “At ease.”

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.