# Run via Commandline

This method is the traditional way to use the compiler.

{% hint style="success" %}
For an even easier time, see how to [**Run via GUI**](https://docs.shrinefox.com/flowscript/atlusscriptcompiler/run-via-gui) (graphical user interface).\
If using that method, you can safely skip this page and the upcoming [**Compile**](https://docs.shrinefox.com/flowscript/atlusscriptcompiler/run-via-commandline/compile) and [**Decompile**](https://docs.shrinefox.com/flowscript/atlusscriptcompiler/run-via-commandline/decompile) sections.
{% endhint %}

## Usage

### Command Prompt

If you tried to run [**AtlusScriptCompiler**](https://docs.shrinefox.com/flowscript/atlusscriptcompiler) like a typical `.EXE`, the program would appear to quickly open and close without doing anything. That's because *commandline* programs must be run from the Windows Command Prompt**,** which we will shortened as "CMD" from here on out.

1. Press `Windows Key + R` and type `cmd`.
2. Press Enter.
3. Drag `AtlusScriptCompiler.exe` onto the CMD window,\
   OR\
   Type the full path to the program in the CMD. Wrap it in quotes in case any folder names contain spaces.
4. Press `Enter`.

Your CMD window should look like this:

```
Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.22000.120]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\Username>"C:\Path\To\AtlusScriptCompiler.exe"
```

At this point, the program should just spit out a list of **arguments** to use.

### Arguments

**Arguments** are the commands that *commandline* programs take as user input. \
You can type them after path to the program you're executing to tell it what to do. 

For instance, to [Decompile](https://docs.shrinefox.com/flowscript/atlusscriptcompiler/run-via-commandline/decompile) a Persona 5 `.BF` script, you'd type:

```
C:\Users\Username>"C:\Path\To\AtlusScriptCompiler.exe" "C:\Path\To\input.bf" -Decompile -Library P5 -Encoding P5 -Out "C:\Path\To\output.flow"
```

{% hint style="success" %}
By now, you know that AtlusScriptCompiler can [compile](https://docs.shrinefox.com/flowscript/atlusscriptcompiler/run-via-commandline/compile) `.FLOW` and `.MSG` files, and [decompile](https://docs.shrinefox.com/flowscript/atlusscriptcompiler/run-via-commandline/decompile) `.BF` and `.BMD` files. You're also acquainted with how to start the program. \
\
If not, start from [**Intro to Scripting**](https://docs.shrinefox.com/master).
{% endhint %}

To learn what each argument means, and which to use in different scenarios, keep reading.

{% content-ref url="run-via-commandline/decompile" %}
[decompile](https://docs.shrinefox.com/flowscript/atlusscriptcompiler/run-via-commandline/decompile)
{% endcontent-ref %}