Introduction

The Linux command line is a text interface to your computer. Often referred to as the shell, terminal, console, prompt or various other names, it can give the appearance of being complex and confusing to use. Yet the ability to copy and paste commands from a website, combined with the power and flexibility the command line offers, means that using it may be essential when trying to follow instructions online, including many on this very website!

This tutorial will teach you a little of the history of the command line, then walk you through some practical exercises to become familiar with a few basic commands and concepts. We’ll assume no prior knowledge, but by the end we hope you’ll feel a bit more comfortable the next time you’re faced with some instructions that begin “Open a terminal”.

The command line is a powerful tool in Linux. Here, we'll learn the basics to navigate and interact with the system, file permissions in Linux to control who can read, write, or execute files. Understanding these commands is crucial for system security and improves your efficiency on the command line.

Mastering the command line in Linux opens up vast possibilities for automation, quick file manipulation, and system administration. Practice these commands regularly to build muscle memory and confidence in using Linux. Remember, mistakes are part of learning, but they can be mitigated with the use of -i for interactive mode or by understanding the implications of commands like rm.