10 useful Linux Commands with Examples

Linux commands are powerful tools that can help you manage your system efficiently. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, these commands are essential for navigating and controlling your Linux environment. Here are the top 10 Linux commands with examples:

1. ls

The ls command lists the contents of a directory.

There are lots of options that are available with this command that can generate the output in a way we want it. Some of the important options are :

$ls -l

This command gives a long listing of the file and directory names including the type of file, size, number of links etc.  This lists files in long format, showing permissions, owner, size, and modification date.

Displays all files including hidden files ( files that start with a .(dot)  for a file name )

2. cd

The cd command changes the current directory.

Example:

This changes the current directory to test

$cd – with no argument takes you to the home directory

$cd.. – takes you to the parent directory

$cd ../.. – takes you to the parent directory of the parent directory

3. pwd

The pwd command prints the current working directory.

Example:

This displays the full path of the current directory.

4. mkdir

The mkdir command creates a new directory.

Example:

This creates a directory named projects.

Mkdir command can be used to create a tree like directory structure in a single command.

In the above command a directory called dirA gets created and under it, directories dirB and dirC get created in a single command

5. rm

The rm command removes files or directories.

Example:

This removes the directory testdir and its contents recursively

6. cp

The cp command copies files or directories.

Example:

This copies file.txt to the backup directory.

7. mv

The mv command moves or renames files or directories.

Example:

This moves document.txt to the Documents directory.

8. touch

The touch command creates an empty file or updates the timestamp of an existing file.

Example:

This creates an empty file named newfile.txt.

9. cat

The cat command concatenates and displays file content.

Example:

This displays the content of file.txt.

10. echo

The echo command displays a line of text.

Example:

This prints “Welcome to Linux” to the terminal.

These are some of the useful linux commands. It gives greater power and efficiency to work with and get better results.

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