WinUtils: Shell-powered CLI tools for Windows 95
4 hours ago
- #CLI Tools
- #Windows 95
- #File Operations
- WinUtils was developed in 1996-1997 as CLI tools for Windows 95, leveraging shell APIs for file operations like copy, move, delete, and rename.
- The core function SHFileOperation provided built-in features such as Recycle Bin undo support, confirmation prompts, and progress dialogs, requiring minimal custom code.
- Each utility (wincopy, winmove, windel, winren) supported switches like /a for About, /h for help, /u for undo, and /s for silent mode, mapping to SHFileOperation flags.
- Creating icons involved editing existing Windows icons manually, and the help system required compiling RTF files with a complex Windows Help Compiler process.
- Distribution involved uploading zipped executables and help files to shareware sites like Tucows and Download.com, with slow feedback via download counters.
- The project highlights the learning value of overcoming challenges like API documentation, icon design, and help compilation, contrasting with modern AI-assisted development.