Command Line

Learn the fundamentals of the command line, navigating files, directories, and more.

0 of 19 lessons complete

Syllabus

01 The Shell Learn what the Linux shell is and how commands are executed.
02 pwd (Print Working Directory) Learn how to use pwd to identify your current location in the Linux filesystem.
03 cd (Change Directory) Learn how to use cd with paths and shortcuts to move through the Linux filesystem.
04 ls (List Directories) Learn how to use ls options to inspect files, hidden entries, details, sizes, and sort order.
05 touch Learn how to create empty files and manage file timestamps with the touch command.
06 file Learn how to identify a file's likely content type without relying on its name or extension.
07 cat Learn how to display, concatenate, and redirect file content safely with the cat command.
08 less Learn how to navigate, search, and follow long text files interactively with less.
09 history Learn how to inspect, search, reuse, and manage command history in Bash.
10 cp (Copy) Learn how to copy files and directory trees while controlling overwrites and preserved attributes.
11 mv (Move) Learn how to rename and move files or directories while avoiding unintended overwrites.
12 mkdir (Make Directory) Learn how to create single, multiple, and nested directories with mkdir options.
13 rm (Remove) Learn how to remove files and directories while checking targets and choosing safer rm options.
14 find Learn how to search directory trees by name, type, size, and time, then act on verified matches.
15 help Learn how to choose built-in help, program usage output, or manual pages for a command.
16 man Learn how to open, navigate, search, and select sections of installed manual pages.
17 whatis Learn how to retrieve concise manual-page descriptions and interpret their section numbers.
18 alias Learn how to create, inspect, persist, bypass, and remove command aliases in Bash.
19 exit Learn how to leave the current shell and choose the status it returns to its caller.

Frequently Asked Questions

What commands are covered in this course?

The course covers core commands including pwd, ls, cd, mkdir, touch, cp, mv, rm, cat, less, find, man, history, and aliases.

Is prior command-line experience required?

No. The lessons begin with the shell and basic navigation, then build toward everyday file operations, command discovery, and efficient terminal use.

Can I follow the lessons on macOS or Windows?

Many concepts also work in macOS terminals and Windows Linux environments, but a Linux shell provides the most consistent experience.