Essential Linux Commands Every Beginner Should Know.

Sahil Shah
3 min readAug 9, 2023

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Photo by Gabriel Heinzer on Unsplash

Introduction: Linux is a powerful and versatile operating system used by millions of users around the world. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to enhance your Linux skills, mastering the basics is essential. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top Linux commands that every beginner should know. These commands will help you navigate the terminal, manage files, and perform essential tasks efficiently.

1. ls - List Files and Directories: The ls command is used to list the files and directories in the current location. By default, it displays the contents of the current directory. You can enhance its functionality with various flags, such as ls -l for a detailed list or ls -a to show hidden files.

2. cd - Change Directory: The cd command allows you to navigate through different directories. Use cd followed by the directory name to enter that directory. For example, cd Documents will take you into the "Documents" directory.

3. pwd - Print Working Directory: When you need to know your current location within the file system, the pwd command comes in handy. It displays the full path of the current directory.

4. mkdir - Make Directory: Creating directories is essential for organizing your files. The mkdir command followed by the directory name will create a new directory. For instance, mkdir NewFolder will create a directory named "NewFolder."

5. touch - Create Empty Files: The touch command is used to create empty files. For instance, touch newfile.txt will create a file named "newfile.txt."

6. cp - Copy Files and Directories: To copy files or directories, use the cp command followed by the source and destination locations. For example, cp file.txt /backup will copy "file.txt" to the "backup" directory.

7. mv - Move and Rename Files/Directories: The mv command is used to move files or directories from one location to another. It can also be used to rename files/directories. Usage: mv oldfile.txt newfile.txt (renames) or mv file.txt /newlocation (moves).

8. rm - Remove Files and Directories: The rm command deletes files and directories. Be cautious, as there's no recovery once something is deleted using this command. Use with the -r flag for directories: rm -r directory_name.

9. cat - Display File Content: The cat command is used to display the content of a file in the terminal. For example, cat myfile.txt will show the content of "myfile.txt."

10. grep - Search Text in Files: The grep command searches for a specific text pattern within files. Syntax: grep pattern filename. It's a powerful tool for finding specific information.

Conclusion:

These essential Linux commands lay the foundation for efficient navigation and management of files and directories within the Linux terminal. As you become more comfortable with these commands, you’ll be better equipped to handle more advanced tasks and explore the vast capabilities of the Linux operating system. So, start practicing these commands, and you’ll soon find yourself becoming more proficient in working with Linux. Happy learning!

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Sahil Kumar

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Sahil Shah

A.I. & Tech Enthusiasts || Content Writer || Freelancer