Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article, we’ll learn about different Linux commands to understand how you can use this technology. Linux is a UNIX-like operating system kernel with applications in nearly every industry. There are numerous Linux distributions including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Debian, Ubuntu Linux, Fedora, etc.
It is mainly used in running servers because it is an open-source solution. Linux also forms the basis for Android development.
Linux Commands And Their Uses
There are many Linux commands. They are case-sensitive and allow you to perform specific functions by entering them into the Linux terminal.
You can perform all Administrative tasks with the help of Linux commands. Following are some of the most important and fundamental commands that you should learn:
Command for listing files
The Linux command for listing files is ‘ls’. The ‘ls’ command will show you the lists of files in your current directory. Keep in mind that the directories will be denoted in blue while the files will be denoted in white. Here’s how you’ll use the command:
Example: CN@VirtualBox:~$ ls
You can use the ‘ls-R’ command to show all the files (including the subdirectories). However, note that it’s a case-sensitive command hence ‘ls-r’ or ‘Ls-R’ wouldn’t work.
The ‘ls-al’ commands give detailed data about the files. It will tell you about the owner and the creator of the file, the file size, date and time, the number of hard links to the file, etc.
In Linux/UNIX, you can’t view certain directories and items unless you request for them. These items are hidden files and start with the period symbol.
To see and list hidden files in Linux, you’ll have to use the ‘ls -a’ command.
Command for creating files
To create files in Linux, you’ll have to use the ‘touch’ command. You can use this command to create any kind of file, including zip files as well as txt files.
Example: CN@VirtualBox:~$ touch
Command to see the directory
If you want to find out which directory you’re in, you will have to use the ‘pwd’ command. It will give you the absolute path, the path starting from the root. The root is the base of a Linux file system and is denoted by ‘/’ (a forward slash).
Example: CN@VirtualBox:~$ pwd
Command for going to a directory
If you want to go to a specific directory, you’ll have to use the ‘cd’ command. For example, if you’re in the ‘Downloads’ folder and want to go to the ‘Home’ folder, you can use the ‘cd home’ command.
Example: CN@VirtualBox:~$ cd folder name
Keep in mind that you’ll have to use the exact name of the folder while using this command. However, if a folder’s name contains multiple words such as Coding Ninjas, then you’d have to use backward slash as Linux will take the second argument as a different one.
What does it mean? It means if you want to go to the Coding Ninjas folder, use the ‘cd Coding\ Ninjas’ command instead of the ‘cd Coding Ninjas’ command.
Command for deleting files
To delete files in Linux, you’ll have to use the ‘rm’ command. The ‘rm’ command would remove files from your system without requiring any confirmation. The syntax for using this command: rm filename.
Example: CN@VirtualBox:~$ rm sample
Command for moving files
If you want to move a file from one place to another, you will have to use the ‘mv’ command. Suppose you want to move the file ‘sample’ to the location /home/CN/Documents. Then, you’ll use the command:
mv sample /home/CN/Documents
Example: CN@VirtualBox:~$ mv sample new_location
Command for creating a folder
If you want to create a folder or a directory, you’ll have to use the ‘mkdir’ command.
Example: CN@VirtualBox:~$ mkdir sample
Keep in mind that if you want to create a folder with multiple words in its name, you’ll have to use the backward slash. For example, to create a folder called Coding Ninjas, you’ll use: mkdir Coding\ Ninjas
Frequently Asked Questions
Linux is a free and open-source operating system kernel. Primarily, it is used in servers and is one of the most popular technologies on the planet. Android, one of the most popular mobile OS is based on the Linux kernel as well. It powers most of the servers that run the internet.
Linux is a Unix-like OS and you run all Linux commands in the Linux system’s terminal. They are case-sensitive and help you perform various tasks including creating new files and deletion.
These commands are inputs that you enter in the Linux terminal, which performs the actions specified in the commands as the output. All Linux commands execute after you have typed them in the terminal and hit the Return (Enter) key.
Although Linux has a plethora of commands, the following are the most common commands in Linux:
1. chown command
2. rmdir command
3. rm command
4. cd command
5. ls command
6. mkdir command
Linux has a tone of commands that you can learn. The best way to learn these commands is by using them and practising them. The more you’ll practise these commands, the better you’ll understand them.
You can take our competitive programming course that helps you practice your programming expertise in more detail to learn these commands more effectively.
In computing, commands are directives to a computer program to perform specific tasks. You may issue a command through a command-line interface (such as a shell) or as input to a network service as part of a network protocol. You can also issue a command as an event in a GUI triggered by the user selecting an option in the menu.
Commands allow you to instruct your computer about what tasks you need it to perform.
Linux has too many commands to count. We can say that it has an infinite amount of commands that you can use to perform various functions. However, keep in mind that Linux itself doesn’t have any commands. It’s a kernel.
Seems too daunting? Don’t worry because as you’ll practice Linux more, you’ll learn the commands that you need along the way.
Linux is among the most popular operating systems and has been available since the 90s. It has the following OS components:
1. Background services
2. Bootloader
3. Desktop environment
4. OS Kernel
5. Graphics server
6. OS Shell
7. Applications
Linux software is highly versatile and has applications in many areas. That’s why it’s an excellent technology to learn.
Linux file system is a built-in layer of a Linux operating system. We use it to handle a storage’s data management needs and arrange the file on the disk storage. The Linux file system helps us in managing the file size, creation date, the file name and other related information of a file.
Linux is widely popular and is a highly versatile solution. It’s ideal for software development and has become a must-have for any software professional. Linux provides the option of using low-cost servers that are compatible with nearly every web development language available. Learning Linux will make you a more attractive candidate among recruiters and hence, make your professional journey much easier.
Key Takeaways
Linux is an operating system kernel. It has various uses in different sectors, however, it is primarily used in running servers that power the internet. Linux commands help you in performing specific functions through the Linux terminal.
Some of the most important Linux commands are:
- ls
- cd
- rm
- pwd
- mv
Understanding these important commands will help you dive deep into the Linux system and use it in several areas of your work.
