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The Essential Linux Commands You Need to Know

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Linux is an open-source operating system that has grown in popularity over the years owing to its stability, security, and flexibility. It is widely used in servers, PCs, and mobile devices. In this article, we will go over some of the most important Linux commands that any Linux user should know.

  1. ls - This command displays a directory's contents. When you enter ls, it will display all of the files and directories in your current working directory.

     ls
    
  2. cd - This command changes the current directory. When you type cd followed by the name of a directory, your working directory is changed to that directory.

     cd directory_name
    
  3. pwd - The abbreviation for "print working directory" is "pwd". It will provide the whole path to the directory you are now working in.

     pwd
    
  4. mkdir - This command creates a new directory. When you write mkdir followed by the name of the directory you wish to create, a new directory will be created in your current working directory.

     mkdir directory_name
    
  5. rm - This command deletes files or directories. When you write rm followed by the name of a file or directory, that file or directory is deleted.

     rm file_name
    
  6. cp - This command copies files or directories. When you enter cp followed by the name of a file or directory and the destination directory, the file or directory will be copied to the destination directory.

     cp file_name destination_directory
    
  7. mv - This command moves files or directories. It will relocate the file or directory to the target directory if you type mv followed by the name of a file or directory and the destination directory.

     mv file_name destination_directory
    
  8. cat – This command displays the contents of a file. When you type cat followed by the name of a file, the contents of that file will be shown on the terminal.

     cat file_name
    
  9. chmod - This command alters the permissions of a file or directory. The permissions will be changed if you write chmod followed by the permissions you wish to set and the name of the file or directory.

     chmod permissions file_name
    
  10. grep - This command searches a file for a specific string or pattern. When you type grep followed by the string or pattern you wish to search for and the file name, it will search the file for that string or pattern and display the results.

    grep search_string file_name
    

As a Linux user, it is crucial to be familiar with some of the essential Linux commands. By mastering these commands, you can enhance your ability to navigate the Linux operating system with ease and efficiency. With regular practice and dedication, you can become skilled in utilizing these commands and broaden your understanding of the Linux operating system.