#### Modes of Operation

NeXtMidas supports several modes of operation with respect to command entry. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The following command modes are available. These modes require prior running of the platform-dependent nmstart script, which prepares the operating environment for execution of NeXtMidas commands.

- Interactive The shell is explicitly started, and commands are then entered in response to the shell prompt. A user can run the shell in either a conventional (text-base) command window or in a graphical window that accepts commands.
- One-Shot Commands are entered in response to an operating system prompt, and a temporary shell is started to manage command execution.