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tamilvanan
tamilvanan

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Learn Linux Commands - 001

Note: I’m not an expert. I’m writing this blog just to document my learning journey. 🚀

🔹 What Is the Linux Command Line?

The command line (or terminal) is where you type text commands to control the computer directly.

Linux is built around the command line. You can create files, move around, install software — all by typing commands.

✅ Most Useful Basic Commands

1. pwd – Where am I?

This shows your current location (folder) in the computer.

pwd
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Example output:

/home/yourname
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2. ls – What is here?

Shows files and folders in the current location.

ls
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You can also use options:

  • ls -l: more details (like size and date)
  • ls -a: show hidden files (start with .)

3. cd – Go to another folder

This moves you into a different folder.

cd foldername        # Go into a folder
cd ..                # Go up one level
cd /home/yourname    # Go to a specific path
cd                   # Go to your home folder
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4. mkdir – Make a folder 

mkdir newfolder
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Creates a folder called newfolder.

5. touch – Make a file 

touch file.txt
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Creates an empty file called file.txt.

6. cp – Copy files or folders 

cp file.txt copy.txt         # Copy a file
cp -r folder1 folder2        # Copy a folder and its contents
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7. mv – Move or rename 

mv file.txt /other/place     # Move file
mv old.txt new.txt           # Rename file
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8. rm – Delete 

rm file.txt           # Delete a file
rm -r foldername      # Delete a folder and its contents
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⚠️ Warning: This deletes immediately — no trash bin.

9. cat – Show file content 

cat file.txt
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Prints the contents of a file.

10. less – Read file one page at a time 

less file.txt
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Use arrow keys or q to quit.

11. head and tail – Show top/bottom of file 

head file.txt      # First 10 lines
tail file.txt      # Last 10 lines
tail -f log.txt    # Follow file as it grows
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12. whoami – Show your username 

whoami
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13. clear – Clear the screen 

clear
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14. man – Manual/help for a command 

man ls
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Gives full help about the ls command. Press q to quit.

15. history – See commands you’ve run 

history
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16. sudo – Run as administrator

Some commands need permission. Use sudo to run as admin.

sudo apt update
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🎯 Summary Table

Purpose Command Example
Show location pwd
List files ls
Change folder cd foldername
Make folder mkdir newfolder
Create file touch file.txt
Copy cp file1 file2
Move/rename mv file1 file2
Delete file/folder rm file.txt, rm -r folder
View file cat file.txt
Manual/help man command
Admin task sudo apt install name

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