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Harsh Pandhe
Harsh Pandhe

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Day 02: Basic Linux Commands

#linux #beginners #cli #tutorial

Welcome to Day 2 of our Linux series! Yesterday, we dipped our toes into the Linux world. Today, we’re getting hands-on and learning some essential commands. Think of this as learning the language of Linux—simple, powerful, and oddly satisfying.

Linux

What Is the Terminal?

Imagine the terminal as a magic window where you can tell Linux what to do. It’s a bit like texting, but instead of a friend, you’re chatting with your computer. Cool, right?

To open the terminal:

  • Ubuntu: Press Ctrl + Alt + T.
  • Fedora: Search for “Terminal” in the app menu.

Now, let’s dive into some commands that will make you feel like a tech wizard.

Basic Navigation Commands

These commands help you move around the Linux filesystem. Think of it as learning to walk before you run.

1. Where Am I? 

pwd
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pwd

  • Prints the current directory (your location in the filesystem).
  • Example: "/home/username"

2. What’s Around Me? 

ls
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ls

  • Lists files and directories in your current location.
  • Add -l for detailed info or -a to see hidden files.
  • Example: 
  ls -la
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3. Take Me Somewhere Else 

cd <directory_name>
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  • Changes your current directory.
  • Example: 
  cd Documents
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Go back to the previous directory with:

  cd ..
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cd

File Management Commands

4. Show Me the File Content 

cat <file_name>
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  • Displays the contents of a file.
  • Example: 
  cat hello.txt
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5. Create a New File 

touch <file_name>
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  • Creates an empty file.
  • Example: 
  touch my_file.txt
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6. Move or Rename a File 

mv <source> <destination>
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mv

  • Moves or renames files.
  • Example (rename): 
  mv old_name.txt new_name.txt
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Example (move):

  mv my_file.txt /home/username/Documents
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7. Copy a File 

cp <source> <destination>
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  • Copies files or directories.
  • Example: 
  cp hello.txt backup_hello.txt
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8. Delete a File 

rm <file_name>
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  • Deletes a file.
  • Example: 
  rm old_file.txt
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  • Be careful—there’s no trash bin here!

Permissions: The Linux Security Guard

Linux files have permissions that determine who can read, write, or execute them.

9. Check File Permissions 

ls -l
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ls -l

  • Shows detailed file info, including permissions.
  • Example output: 
  -rw-r--r-- 1 user group  123 Jan 1 12:00 hello.txt
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Breakdown:

  • r = read, w = write, x = execute.

10. Change Permissions 

chmod <permissions> <file_name>
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  • Changes file permissions.
  • Example: 
  chmod 755 script.sh
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This makes the file executable.

chmod

Other Handy Commands

11. Clear the Screen 

clear
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  • Wipes the terminal screen clean, just like hitting refresh.

12. Who Am I? 

whoami
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whoami

  • Prints your username. Great for existential crises.

13. What’s Running? 

top
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  • Shows active processes and resource usage.
  • Use q to quit.

14. Need Help? 

man <command>
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  • Opens the manual for a command.
  • Example: 
  man ls
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  • Pro tip: Quit the manual with q.

Man

Fun Linux Fact

Did you know the Linux mascot, Tux the penguin, was inspired by a penguin bite Linus Torvalds got at a zoo? 🐧

Zoo

Conclusion

You now know how to navigate, manage files, and even wield the power of permissions. Linux isn’t so scary anymore, is it? Practice these commands, and soon, you’ll feel right at home in the terminal.

What’s Coming Next?

Tomorrow, we’ll explore the Linux File System and uncover its unique directory structure. Stay tuned for Day 3 of this series!

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Top comments (2)

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madhurima_rawat profile image
Madhurima Rawat •

This series is amazing! 🔥 This article was great—I loved the random fun fact, it made me laugh! 😆 I've been thinking about learning Linux for quite some time, and this is a fantastic resource. Keep it up!

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harshpandhe profile image
Harsh Pandhe •

Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series and found the fun fact amusing! 😄 Learning Linux can be an exciting journey, and I’m glad you see it as a valuable resource. If you have any questions or specific topics you’d like to dive into, just let me know. Your support means a lot, and I’ll keep the content coming! 🔥🤓

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