Basic Linux Commands

1. pwd - Print Working Directory

•Usage: pwd

•Description: This command displays the current directory you are working in. It’s useful for confirming your location within the file system.

2. ls - List Files and Directories

•Usage: ls [options] [directory]

•Description: Lists files and directories within a directory. Use the -l option for a detailed listing and -a to include hidden files.

•Example: ls -la

3. cd - Change Directory

•Usage: cd [target directory]

•Description: Changes the current working directory. For instance, cd .. moves up one directory level.

•Example: cd /home/user/documents

4. touch - Create File

•Usage: touch [file name]

•Description: Creates a new, empty file. It can also update the timestamp of an existing file.

•Example: touch file.txt

5. mkdir - Create Directory

•Usage: mkdir [directory name]

•Description: Creates a new directory (folder).

•Example: mkdir new_directory

6. rm - Remove Files or Directories

•Usage: rm [options] [file/directory]

•Description: Deletes files or directories. The -r option allows for the deletion of directories and their contents.

•Example: rm file.txt or rm -r directory_name

7. cp - Copy Files or Directories

•Usage: cp [source] [destination]

•Description: Copies files or directories from one location to another. Use the -r option to copy entire directories.

•Example: cp file.txt /destination/directory

8. mv - Move/Rename Files or Directories

•Usage: mv [source] [destination]

•Description: Moves or renames files or directories.

•Example: mv old_name.txt new_name.txt

9. cat - Display File Content

•Usage: cat [file]

•Description: Displays the content of a file in the terminal. Ideal for quickly viewing small files.

•Example: cat file.txt

10. echo - Print Message to Terminal

•Usage: echo [message]

•Description: Prints a message or the value of a variable to the terminal.

•Example: echo "Hello World"

11. chmod - Change File Permissions

•Usage: chmod [permissions] [file/directory]

•Description: Changes the access permissions of a file or directory. For example, chmod 755 gives the owner full access and read-execute access to others.

•Example: chmod 644 file.txt

12. man - Command Manual

•Usage: man [command]

•Description: Provides detailed information on how to use a command.

•Example: man ls