# Prompt

*noun*

say it: **“PROMPT”** **/prɒmpt/**

The text a terminal shows before the cursor to say it is ready for your next command.

## What is **Prompt**?

**Prompt** — The text a terminal shows before the cursor. It means the terminal is ready for your next command, and it usually shows who you are and which folder you're in. You type after the `$`; you never type the `$` itself.

```bash
student@laptop MINGW64 ~/projects
$ pwd
/c/Users/student/projects
```

## In a sentence

- “When the **prompt** came back with a $ at the end, I knew the install had finished.”

Level: Novice · [More Operating System terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary?category=operating-system&level=1)

Updated: October 28, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/prompt-operating-system