How to use the command "color" (with examples)

The “color” command is used to set the console foreground and background colors on Windows systems. This command allows users to customize the appearance of the command prompt by choosing different color combinations. By default, the console colors are set to the system’s default values, but the “color” command allows users to change these values to suit their preferences.

Use case 1: Set the console colors to the default values

Code:

color

Motivation:

This use case is useful when the console colors have been changed and you want to restore them to the default values. By running the “color” command without any arguments, the console colors will be reset to their default values.

Explanation:

The “color” command without any arguments sets the console foreground and background colors to their default values.

Example output:

The console colors are set back to the default values.

Use case 2: List available color values and detailed information

Code:

color /?

Motivation:

This use case is helpful when you want to view the available color values and get detailed information about the “color” command. The “color /?” command provides a summary of the available options and their descriptions.

Explanation:

The “/?” argument is used with the “color” command to display the help information for the command. It provides a list of available color values (foreground_code and background_code), along with brief explanations.

Example output:

The output of the “color /?” command will show a table with the available color values (0-9 and A-F) and their corresponding color representations.

Use case 3: Set the console foreground and background to a specific color using hexadecimal numbers

Code:

color fc

Motivation:

This use case allows users to customize the console colors by specifying specific hexadecimal codes for the foreground and background. By using this command, users can personalize their command prompt with their preferred color combination.

Explanation:

The “color” command followed by hexadecimal numbers (1-9 and A-F) sets the console foreground and background colors to the specified values. The first hexadecimal digit specifies the foreground color, and the second digit specifies the background color.

Example output:

The console foreground color is set to the specified hexadecimal code (f), and the background color is set to the specified code (c).

Conclusion:

The “color” command is a useful tool for customizing the appearance of the command prompt on Windows systems. Whether you want to restore the console colors to their default values, view available color values, or set specific color combinations, the “color” command provides the flexibility to personalize your command prompt experience.