Basic Linux Commands which makes your life easier
Before learning Linux commands lets talk about what is Linux?
Linux is an open-source operating system that powers many computers, servers, and devices worldwide. Imagine it as the conductor of a grand orchestra — the one who coordinates all the musicians (software programs) to play harmoniously together. Here are some key points:
Open Source: Unlike some other operating systems, Linux is like an open book. Anyone can read it, modify it, and even contribute to it. It’s like a community-driven masterpiece! 📖
Variety of Flavors: Linux comes in different flavors (called distributions or distros). Each distro has its own unique style and features. It’s like having a wardrobe full of different outfits for different occasions! 👗
Command Line Magic: In Linux, you can use special commands (typed in a terminal) to perform tasks. It’s like casting spells to make things happen. For example,
ls
shows files, andsudo
gives you superpowers! 🧙♂️Stability and Security: Linux is like a sturdy castle — it’s reliable and secure. It’s used in servers, smartphones, and even space missions! 🏰
Community Love: Linux enthusiasts are passionate and supportive. It’s like being part of a global family where everyone helps each other out! 🤗
Let’s learn some basic commands in Linux.
ls
: List directories. Example:ls -l
lists files in a detailed format.pwd
: Print working directory. Example:pwd
shows the current directory path.cd
: Navigate through directories. Example:cd /path/to/directory
changes to the specified directory.mkdir
: Create directories. Example:mkdir my_folder
makes a new folder named “my_folder.”mv
: Move or rename files. Example:mv file.txt new_location/
moves the file to a different location.cp
: Copy files. Example:cp file.txt backup/
makes a copy of the file in the “backup” folder.rm
: Delete files or directories. Example:rm file.txt
removes the file.touch
: Create blank files. Example:touch new_file.txt
makes an empty file.ln
: Create symbolic links (shortcuts). Example:ln -s target_file link_name
creates a symbolic link.clear
: Clear the terminal display. Example:clear
removes previous output.cat
: Show file contents. Example:cat file.txt
displays what's inside “file.txt.”echo
: Print text. Example:echo "Hello, World!"
prints the text you type.less
: View large files page by page. Example:less large_file.txt
lets you scroll through big files.man
: Read the manual for commands. Example:man ls
shows the manual for thels
command.uname
: Get basic OS info. Example:uname -a
shows system details.whoami
: Find out your username. Example:whoami
tells you the current user.tar
: Compress or extract files. Example:tar -cvf archive.tar files/
creates a tar archive.grep
: Search for text in files. Example:grep "pattern" file.txt
finds lines with the pattern.head
: Show the top lines of a file. Example:head -n 10 file.txt
displays the first 10 lines.tail
: Show the bottom lines of a file. Example:tail -n 5 file.txt
shows the last 5 lines.
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Written by
Sundaresan Anandan
Sundaresan Anandan
I am a tech enthusiast and have dedicated 5+ years of experience in software development. Currently, I am working as a solution engineer. Here my responsibilities are to directly interact with customers and fellow developers, then identify their pain points and figure out the solutions. Apart from that, I spent plenty of time code along with other developers, writing technical documents and preparing architecture diagrams.