Linux terminal commands are the key to release the true power of a Linux operating system providing the user with an efficient method of with a computer without using graphical interface. The terminal can be quite daunting to the first-time user but you can just have a couple of commands up your sleeve and you can become secure and effective at it in no time.
The article dives into what every person needs to know about the Linux terminal commands as an initial user and how they can be utilized in the simplest, understandable manner. In case you have to deal with files, move around directories or carry out troubleshooting, these commands will make you a winner.
Why Learn Linux Terminal Commands?
Linux terminal is like a Swiss Army Knife to your computer. It is speedy, flexible, and provides immediate control over your system. Such command powers included with the terminal commands unlike the graphical interfaces, which enable you to achieve your tasks in the most efficient way, automate any process, and even correct errors that cannot be remedied by clicking with the mouse.
As a beginner you only need to learn a few fundamental Linux terminal commands, this will give you the base that when you feel ready to take the system further, you will know where to go.
Getting Started with the Linux Terminal Commands
Before diving into the commands, let’s set the stage. The terminal (or command line) is where you type commands to interact with your Linux system. To open it, look for “Terminal” in your applications menu or use a shortcut like Ctrl + Alt + T on Ubuntu. Once you’re in, you’ll see a prompt—something like user@hostname:~$. That’s your starting point. Now, let’s explore the 50 essential Linux terminal commands, grouped by function for clarity.
File and Directory Management Commands
- pwd – Prints the current working directory, showing your location in the file system.
- Example: pwd outputs /home/user.
- ls – Lists files and directories in the current directory.
- Example: ls -l for a detailed list with permissions.
- cd – Changes the current directory.
- Example: cd Documents moves to the Documents folder.
- mkdir – Creates a new directory.
- Example: mkdir new_folder creates a folder named “new_folder.”
- rmdir – Removes an empty directory.
- Example: rmdir empty_folder.
- touch – Creates an empty file or updates a file’s timestamp.
- Example: touch file.txt.
- cp – Copies files or directories.
- Example: cp file.txt /backup/ copies file.txt to the backup directory.
- mv – Moves or renames files and directories.
- Example: mv file.txt renamed_file.txt.
- rm – Deletes files or directories.
- Example: rm -r folder removes a folder and its contents recursively.
- find – Searches for files or directories.
- Example: find / -name “file.txt” searches the entire system for file.txt.
- locate – Quickly finds files by name using a prebuilt database.
- Example: locate document.pdf.
- tree – Displays directory contents in a tree-like format.
- Example: tree -d shows only directories.
File Viewing and Editing Commands
- cat – Displays file contents or concatenates files.
- Example: cat file.txt.
- less – Views file contents one page at a time.
- Example: less long_file.txt.
- more – Similar to less, paginates file contents.
- Example: more file.txt.
- nano – A simple terminal-based text editor.
- Example: nano file.txt opens file.txt for editing.
- vim – A powerful text editor (requires learning keybindings).
- Example: vim file.txt.
- head – Shows the first 10 lines of a file.
- Example: head -n 5 file.txt shows the first 5 lines.
- tail – Displays the last 10 lines of a file.
- Example: tail -n 5 file.txt.
- wc – Counts lines, words, or characters in a file.
- Example: wc -l file.txt counts lines.
File Permission Commands
- chmod – Changes file or directory permissions.
- Example: chmod 755 script.sh makes a script executable.
- chown – Changes file or directory ownership.
- Example: chown user:group file.txt.
- ls -l – Lists files with detailed permissions.
- Example: ls -l shows permissions like -rw-r–r–.
System Information Commands
- uname – Displays system information.
- Example: uname -r shows the kernel version.
- df – Reports disk space usage.
- Example: df -h shows usage in a human-readable format.
- du – Estimates file or directory space usage.
- Example: du -sh folder shows the folder’s total size.
- free – Displays memory usage.
- Example: free -h shows memory in a readable format.
- top – Monitors system processes in real-time.
- Example: top.
- htop – A more user-friendly process viewer (may need installation).
- Example: htop.
- ps – Lists running processes.
- Example: ps aux shows all processes.
Package Management Commands
- apt update – Updates the package list (Debian/Ubuntu).
- Example: sudo apt update.
- apt install – Installs a package.
- Example: sudo apt install vim.
- yum install – Installs a package (CentOS/RHEL).
- Example: sudo yum install nano.
- dnf install – Modern package installer for Fedora.
- Example: sudo dnf install htop.
- snap install – Installs snap packages.
- Example: sudo snap install code.
Network Commands
- ping – Checks connectivity to a host.
- Example: ping google.com.
- curl – Transfers data from or to a server.
- Example: curl https://example.com.
- wget – Downloads files from the web.
- Example: wget https://example.com/file.zip.
- ifconfig – Displays network interface information (older systems).
- Example: ifconfig.
- ip – Modern command for network configuration.
- Example: ip addr shows IP addresses.
User and Group Management
- whoami – Displays the current user.
- Example: whoami.
- id – Shows user and group IDs.
- Example: id user.
- passwd – Changes the user’s password.
- Example: passwd.
- adduser – Adds a new user.
- Example: sudo adduser newuser.
- deluser – Deletes a user.
- Example: sudo deluser olduser.
Process Management Commands
- kill – Terminates a process by its ID.
- Example: kill 1234 terminates process ID 1234.
- killall – Kills processes by name.
- Example: killall firefox.
- bg – Runs a process in the background.
- Example: bg resumes a stopped job.
- fg – Brings a background process to the foreground.
- Example: fg.
- jobs – Lists background jobs.
- Example: jobs.
Tips for Mastering Linux Terminal Commands
- Practice Regularly: Start with simple commands like ls and cd, then move to more complex ones like find or chmod.
- Use Man Pages: Type man <command> (e.g., man ls) to read detailed documentation.
- Combine Commands: Use pipes (|) to chain commands, like ls | grep txt to find .txt files.
- Be Cautious with sudo: Commands with sudo have system-wide impact—double-check before running.
- Learn Shortcuts: Use Tab for autocompletion and Ctrl + C to stop a command.
Why These Commands Matter
These Linux terminal commands just get through the basic steps of navigating, management and troubleshooting a Linux system. They are the bricks to higher level things such as scripting or server administration. Being a novice, you need to start with a one particular category, file management, system info or networking and before long you would be putting commands together like an expert.
Ready to dive deeper? Practice using this set of Linux terminal commands on a virtual machine or spare system so it can go wrong. The terminal is your playground you have fun playing with it!
FAQs About Linux Terminal Commands
What is the Linux terminal?
The Linux terminal is a text-based interface for interacting with the operating system. It lets you run commands to manage files, configure settings, and perform tasks efficiently.
Why should beginners learn Linux terminal commands?
Learning Linux terminal commands gives you more control over your system, speeds up tasks, and helps you troubleshoot issues that graphical interfaces can’t handle.
Are Linux terminal commands the same on all distributions?
Most commands (like ls, cd, mkdir) are universal across Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian. Some advanced commands may vary slightly.
How do I avoid mistakes in the terminal?
Use tab completion, check commands before running them, and avoid using rm -r recklessly. The man command is your friend for understanding any command.
Can I undo a command in the Linux terminal?
Most terminal commands, like rm, are permanent. Always double-check your commands, and consider backing up important files.
