Command Line Essentials

Introduction

If you are new to Linux, these are the first commands worth learning. They help you navigate the system, inspect files, and perform safe day-to-day file operations.

1) pwd - Print Working Directory

pwd shows your current location in the filesystem.

pwd

Example output:

/home/tony

Use this whenever you are unsure where you are before running file commands.

2) ls -la - List Files and Details

ls lists files and folders. -l shows long details (permissions, owner, size, date). -a includes hidden files (names starting with .).

ls -la

Useful for checking what exists in a folder and reviewing permissions.

3) cd - Change Directory

cd moves you into a different folder.

cd /etc

Useful variants:

cd ~      # go to your home directory
cd ..     # go up one level
cd -      # go back to previous directory

4) mkdir - Create Directory

Creates a new folder.

mkdir project-files

Create nested folders safely:

mkdir -p projects/netcollege/docs

5) cp - Copy Files or Folders

Copies files from one location to another.

cp notes.txt notes-backup.txt

Copy a folder recursively:

cp -r source-folder backup-folder

6) mv - Move or Rename

mv is used to move files/folders or rename them.

Rename:

mv old-name.txt new-name.txt

Move to another directory:

mv report.txt /home/tony/Documents/

7) rm - Remove Files or Folders

Deletes files and directories. This command is powerful and usually permanent.

Delete a file:

rm file.txt

Delete a directory and all its contents:

rm -r old-folder

Safer interactive mode:

rm -i file.txt

Always run ls first if you are not 100% sure what will be deleted.

Tip

Use man whenever you need command syntax and options.