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Raj Aryan
Raj Aryan

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10 Linux Commands to Simplify Your Workflow — Part 1: 5 Must-Know Tools

#linux #terminal #cli #productivity

Linux offers a powerful command line, but most users stick to the basics. To help you work smarter, not harder, here are 5 lesser-known Linux commands that can seriously simplify your daily tasks — with examples you can try right now.

For the other 5, check out the full article on Medium:
10 Linux Commands That Will Simplify Your Workflow

1. tldr — Quick and Clear Command Help

The traditional man pages are detailed but often overwhelming. tldr gives you concise, example-based explanations to quickly get you up to speed.

Install:

sudo apt install tldr      # Debian/Ubuntu
# or
brew install tldr          # macOS with Homebrew
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Usage:

tldr tar
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Output:

# Create a tar archive
tar -cf archive.tar file1 file2

# Extract a tar archive
tar -xf archive.tar
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2. timeout — Limit Command Execution Time

Sometimes commands hang or take too long. Use timeout to automatically stop a command after a set period.

Example: Ping Google for 5 seconds only

timeout 5s ping google.com
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After 5 seconds, the ping stops, freeing up your terminal.

3. ncdu — Interactive Disk Usage Viewer

Instead of parsing du output, ncdu lets you navigate your disk usage in an interactive UI and delete large files right from the interface.

Install:

sudo apt install ncdu
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Run:

ncdu /
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Use arrow keys to browse and delete files easily.

4. fd — Simple & Fast File Search

find is powerful but complex. fd is a modern alternative with simpler syntax and faster performance.

Install:

sudo apt install fd-find
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Usage:

fd notes.txt
fd -e py          # find Python files
fd config /etc    # search within /etc
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5. trash-cli — Safe File Deletion

Accidental deletes are painful. trash-cli sends files to your trash bin instead of permanently removing them.

Install:

sudo apt install trash-cli
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Usage:

trash myfile.txt          # moves file to trash
trash *.log               # trash multiple files
trash-restore             # recover files from trash
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Want More?

These 5 commands are just the beginning! To explore 5 more hidden Linux gems that will boost your workflow, head over to my full article on Medium:

👉 10 Linux Commands That Will Simplify Your Workflow

#linux #productivity #opensource #commandline #devtools

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