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Command-Line Functionality

Machine can execute command-line operations on your behalf, enabling powerful system automation through simple conversations. This capability allows you to perform complex technical tasks without needing to remember specific command syntax.

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Overview

The command-line functionality serves as a bridge between natural language and system-level operations, allowing you to:
  • Run terminal commands without memorizing syntax
  • Execute scripts and programs
  • Automate system tasks
  • Install and configure software
  • Manage files and directories at the system level
Command-line operations can modify your system and files. Machine always asks for confirmation before executing potentially destructive or high-impact commands.

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Available Operations

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File System Operations

Machine can help you manage files and directories through commands like: 
# List directory contents
ls -la ~/Documents

# Find files by pattern
find ~/Documents -name "*.pdf" -mtime -7

# Create directories
mkdir -p ~/Projects/new-project/src

# Move or rename files
mv ~/Downloads/document.pdf ~/Documents/important.pdf

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System Information

Retrieve information about your system: 
# System information
uname -a
systeminfo

# Disk usage
df -h
du -sh ~/Documents

# Process monitoring
ps aux | grep "chrome"
top

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Network Operations

Perform network diagnostics and operations: 
# Check connectivity
ping google.com

# Network interface information
ifconfig
ipconfig /all

# DNS lookups
nslookup example.com
dig example.com

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Package Management

Install and manage software packages: 
# For Debian/Ubuntu
apt update && apt install package-name

# For Red Hat/Fedora
dnf install package-name

# For macOS
brew install package-name

# For Windows
choco install package-name

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Process Management

Control running processes: 
# Start a process
start program.exe
open application.app

# Stop a process
pkill process-name
taskkill /IM program.exe

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Using Command-Line Functionality

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Natural Language Requests

You don’t need to know exact commands. Simply describe what you want to accomplish: 
You: "I need to find all PDF files in my Downloads folder from the last week"
Machine: "I can help with that. I'll use the 'find' command to locate PDF files modified in the last 7 days. Would you like me to run: find ~/Downloads -name '*.pdf' -mtime -7"

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Script Creation

Machine can create, explain, and execute scripts: 
You: "I need a script that backs up my Documents folder to an external drive every day"
Machine: "I'll create a backup script for you. Here's what it will do:
1. Check if your external drive is connected
2. Create a timestamped backup folder
3. Use rsync to copy only changed files
4. Log the backup status

Would you like me to create this script now?"

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Automation Workflows

Create complex automation workflows through conversation: 
You: "I want to set up a workflow that downloads data from our website analytics, processes it with Python, and emails me a weekly report"
Machine: "I'll help you create that automation. Let me break this down into steps:
1. Use curl to download analytics data
2. Process it with a Python script
3. Create a report document
4. Send it via email
5. Schedule this with cron/Task Scheduler

Would you like me to help you implement each step?"

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Security Considerations

When using command-line functionality, Machine follows these security principles:

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Permission Requirements

  • Machine only executes commands with your current user permissions
  • Elevated privileges (sudo/Administrator) are clearly indicated before execution
  • You must explicitly approve commands requiring elevated privileges

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Command Review

  • All commands are shown to you before execution
  • Potentially destructive operations are highlighted with warnings
  • Machine explains complex commands in plain language

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Execution Contexts

  • By default, commands run in a secure execution context
  • File system access is limited to your user directories unless explicitly expanded
  • Network operations follow strict security policies

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Best Practices

Follow these guidelines for optimal and secure use of command-line functionality:
  1. Review commands carefully before approving execution
  2. Start simple with basic commands before attempting complex operations
  3. Use descriptive requests to help Machine understand your goals
  4. Ask for explanations if you don’t understand what a command does
  5. Create scripts for recurring operations rather than executing complex commands repeatedly

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Platform-Specific Considerations

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Windows

  • PowerShell and Command Prompt commands are both supported
  • Some operations may require Administrator privileges
  • UNC paths are supported for network operations

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macOS/Linux

  • Bash, Zsh, and other common shells are supported
  • Environment variables are preserved between commands
  • File permissions follow standard Unix models
For advanced command-line operations or custom scripts, you can provide Machine with specific syntax or ask it to optimize commands for your particular environment.