PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and scripting language built on .NET Framework.

Key differences from Command Prompt:

PowerShell:

• Object-oriented (works with .NET objects)
• Extensive cmdlet library with consistent syntax
• Advanced scripting capabilities
• Built-in help system and tab completion
• Can access .NET Framework and WMI
• Supports aliases for common commands

Command Prompt:

• Text-based input/output
• Limited built-in commands
• Basic scripting with batch files
• Legacy tool dating back to DOS

Example: In PowerShell, Get-Process returns process objects with properties and methods. In CMD, tasklist returns text output that requires parsing.