What the shell can actually do?

[likewise1129]

I just started using Xamp 32bit on my computer. I have a question regarding the shell present in xamp.

What can actually it do? I uploaded a database backup through it. So, can I also use it to update php, mysql or apache? If yes then how?

[Altrea]

No. The shell is a basic Windows cmd which additionally set some more Folders in the PATH variable for convenient access.

[Nobbie]

So, can I also use it to update php, mysql or apache? If yes then how?

There is no way to update single components of Xampp. There is only full de-install followed by full install of a newer release. That is the biggest disadvantage of using Xampp, the advantage is that you get a very sophisticated webserver environment running "out of the box". Usually it requires very high skills to install and admin a webserver. Its not a task normal users can do.