| Symbol | Description |
| * | Multiple-character wildcard, used to specify a group of files. |
| ? | Single-character wildcard, used to specify multiple files with more precision than *. |
| . | One dot represents the current directory; see "cd." |
| .. | Two dots represent the parent directory; see "cd." |
| \ | Separates directory names , drive letters , and filenames. By itself, \ represents the root directory of the current drive. |
| > | Redirect a command's text output into a file instead of the console window; existing files will be overwritten. |
| >> | Redirect a command's text output into a file instead of the console window, appending existing files. |
| < | Directs the contents of a text file to a command's input; use in place of keyboard entry to automate interactive command-line applications. |
| | Redirects the output of a program or command to a second program or command (this is called a "pipe"). |