Linux Basics

Now, that we have installed Linux, let’s explore how to effectively navigate thorugh the linux system, unlike windows or MacOS, Linux primarliy uses command line interface (CLI), their exist graphical user interface (GUI) as well, but the command line is the most powerful and efficient way to interact with the system.

Here are some basic command that you will need to know to get started with Linux.

Navigating the Filesystem 🗂️

Understanding how to navigate the filesystem is fundamental when working with Linux.

1. pwd (Print Working Directory)

The pwd command shows the full path of the current directory you are in.

pwd

Example: If you are in the /home/user/documents directory, running pwd will output:

/home/user/documents

2. ls (List Directory Contents)

The ls command lists all files and directories in the current directory.

ls

Example: To list files with details (like file size and permissions):

ls -l

3. cd (Change Directory)

The cd command changes the current directory to a different one.

cd /path/to/directory

Example: To move to the home directory:

cd ~

File Operations 📁

These commands help you create, move, and manage files and directories.

1. touch (Create a File)

The touch command creates an empty file.

touch filename

Example: To create a file named example.txt:

touch example.txt

2. mkdir (Create a Directory)

The mkdir command creates a new directory.

mkdir directory_name

Example: To create a directory named projects:

mkdir projects

3. cp (Copy Files)

The cp command copies files or directories from one location to another.

cp source_file destination

Example: To copy file.txt to another directory:

cp file.txt /home/user/documents

4. mv (Move/Rename Files)

The mv command moves or renames files or directories.

mv old_name new_name

Example: To move file.txt to another directory:

mv file.txt /home/user/documents

Or to rename file.txt to newfile.txt:

mv file.txt newfile.txt

5. rm (Remove Files/Directories)

The rm command removes files or directories.

rm filename

Example: To remove a file named file.txt:

rm file.txt

To remove a directory and its contents:

rm -r directory_name