When using a Linux terminal, the command prompt provides essential information that helps users understand their current environment. Let's break down the components of a typical terminal prompt and the hierarchical structure of Linux directories.

The Terminal Prompt

The prompt often includes:

Username: Shows the user executing commands.
Hostname: Indicates the machine being used.
Special Symbols:
- @: Separates the username from the hostname.
- : or ~: Follows the hostname, indicating the current directory.
- $ or #: Denotes user type: $ for a regular user, # for the root user.

Example Prompt:

username@hostname:~$

username: Current user.
hostname: Machine name.
~: Home directory (changes to the actual path if in another directory).
$: Regular user (changes to # for root).

The Linux Directory Structure

Linux organizes files in a hierarchical structure, starting from the root directory (/). Here’s an overview of common directories:

/bin: Essential binaries.
/boot: Boot loader files and kernel.
/dev: Device files (e.g., /dev/sda).
/etc: Configuration files and scripts.
/home: User home directories (e.g., /home/username).
/lib: Shared libraries.
/media: Mount point for removable media.
/mnt: Temporary mount point for filesystems.
/opt: Optional and third-party software.
/proc: Virtual files for system and process information.
/root: Root user’s home directory.
/sbin: System binaries for administration.
/srv: Data for services (e.g., web servers).
/tmp: Temporary files.
/usr: User programs and data, where most application binaries are stored.
/var: Variable data files like logs and databases.

Navigating Directories

Here are some basic commands:

pwd: Print Working Directory
```
  $ pwd
  /home/username
```

ls: List directory contents

  $ ls
  Documents  Downloads  Pictures

cd: Change Directory
```
  $ cd /home/username/Documents
```
mkdir: Make Directory
```
  $ mkdir new_directory
```
rmdir: Remove Directory (empty)
```
  $ rmdir empty_directory
```
rm -r: Remove Directory and contents
```
  $ rm -r directory_name
```

Path Types

Absolute Path: Full path from the root
```
  $ cd /home/username/Documents
```
Relative Path: Path relative to the current directory
```
  $ cd Documents
```

Special Directory Symbols

. (dot): Current directory
.. (double dot): Parent directory
~ (tilde): Home directory of the current user

Examples

Move to the parent directory:
```
  $ cd ..
```
Move to the root directory:
```
  $ cd /
```
Move to the home directory:
```
  $ cd ~
```

Understanding these basics will help you effectively navigate and manage the filesystem in Linux.

Note:-B4 is blog post 4 of this series

B1 link :- khushalmalik.hashnode.dev/the-rise-of-linux

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Navigating the Linux Terminal: Key Prompts, Directory Structure, and Commands for Beginners