# Quick Start Guide
## Basic Operations
### Adding Directories
```bash
# Add a single directory
pathmaster add ~/bin
# Add multiple directories
pathmaster add ~/bin ~/scripts /usr/local/bin
```
### Viewing Current PATH
```bash
# List all PATH entries
pathmaster list
```
### Removing Directories
```bash
# Remove a directory
pathmaster delete ~/old/bin
# Remove multiple directories
pathmaster delete ~/old/bin ~/deprecated/scripts
```
## Path Validation
### Check for Invalid Paths
```bash
# Validate current PATH
pathmaster check
```
### Remove Invalid Paths
```bash
# Clean up invalid entries
pathmaster flush
```
## Backup Management
### Configuring Backup Mode
```bash
# Default (both PATH and shell)
pathmaster --backup-mode default
# PATH-only backup
pathmaster --backup-mode path
# Shell-only backup
pathmaster --backup-mode shell
# Toggle between modes
pathmaster --backup-mode switch
```
### Managing Backups
```bash
# View backup history
pathmaster history
# Restore from latest backup
pathmaster restore
# Restore specific backup
pathmaster restore --timestamp 20240301120000
```
## Common Workflows
### Adding New Development Tools
1. Create development bin directory:
```bash
mkdir -p ~/dev/bin
```
2. Add to PATH:
```bash
pathmaster add ~/dev/bin
```
3. Verify addition:
```bash
pathmaster list
```
### Cleaning Up PATH
1. Check for invalid entries:
```bash
pathmaster check
```
2. Remove invalid entries:
```bash
pathmaster flush
```
3. Verify changes:
```bash
pathmaster list
```
### Backup and Restore
1. Configure backup mode:
```bash
pathmaster --backup-mode default
```
2. Make changes to PATH
3. View backup history:
```bash
pathmaster history
```
4. Restore if needed:
```bash
pathmaster restore
```
## Next Steps
- Read the [Basic Usage Guide](basic-usage.md) for more details
- Check the [Command Reference](../commands/overview.md) for all available commands
- Review [Features](../features/overview.md) for advanced functionality