Command Line & Terminal Basics

The command line is an essential tool for developers. It provides a powerful interface to interact with your operating system and manage tasks efficiently. This guide covers the fundamentals of using the command line, including basic commands, navigation, and best practices.

What is the Command Line?

The command line is a text-based interface that allows users to interact with the operating system by entering commands. It is commonly used for tasks such as file manipulation, running scripts, and automating repetitive tasks.

Basic Commands

Some common commands include:

• ls or dir: List files and directories.
• cd: Change the current directory.
• pwd: Display the current directory path.
• mkdir: Create a new directory.
• rm: Remove files or directories.
• cp and mv: Copy or move files.

File System Navigation

• Absolute Paths: Paths that start from the root directory.
• Relative Paths: Paths relative to your current directory.

Advanced Commands and Tools

• Piping and Redirection: Use symbols like |, >, and < to chain commands and redirect output.
• Command History: Access previous commands using the up/down arrow keys.
• Aliases: Create shortcuts for frequently used commands (e.g., alias ll="ls -la").

Tips and Best Practices

• Use the man command (e.g., man ls) to read manual pages for more details.
• Experiment with different shells (Bash, Zsh, PowerShell) to find the one that best fits your workflow.
• Practice writing simple shell scripts to automate routine tasks.

Additional Resources

• Linux Command Line Basics (opens in a new tab)
• Bash Scripting Tutorial (opens in a new tab)
• PowerShell Documentation (opens in a new tab)