Command (computing)

In computing, a command is a directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task. Most commonly a command is either a directive to some kind of command-line interface, such as a shell, or an event in a graphical user interface triggered by the user selecting an option in a menu.

Specifically, the term command is used in imperative computer languages. These languages are called this, because statements in these languages are usually written in a manner similar to the imperative mood used in many natural languages. If one views a statement in an imperative language as being like a sentence in a natural language, then a command is generally like a verb in such a language.

Many programs allow specially formatted arguments, known as flags or options, which modify the default behaviour of the command, while further arguments describe what the command acts on. Comparing to a natural language: the flags are adverbs, whilst the other arguments are objects.

Command

Command may refer to:

Computing

Military

Sports

Economics and politics

Linguistics and teaching

Command (military formation)

A command in military terminology is an organisational unit for which the individual in Military command is responsible. A Commander will normally be specifically appointed to the role in order to provide a legal framework for the authority bestowed. Naval and military officers have legal authority by virtue of their officer's commission, however the specific responsibilities and privileges of command are derived from the publication of appointment.

The United States Department of Defense defines command as follows:

(DOD) 2. An order given by a commander; that is, the will of the commander expressed for the purpose of bringing about a particular action.

(DOD) 3. A unit or units, an organization, or an area under the command of one individual. Also called CMD. See also area command; combatant command; combatant command (command authority).

See also

Notes

Command (teaching style)

The Command teaching style is the closest approximation to the traditional system of education under the progressive teaching technology, Student-Directed Teaching.

As part of the five distinct teaching styles developed by Don Green, Command is the most readily understood by students, as it is most similar to what they are used to from the public system. As Don Green describes it,

The Command teaching style is for those students whose learning characteristics require formal instruction and a specific assignment for the practice to be appropriate for the student to master the objective. These students need to be directed as to what they will do during the class time allocated to the specific subject being studied.

Under the Command teaching style, the teacher will: