Terminal Basics: 20 Linux Commands Every New User Should KnowHow to Block Spam Calls on Android and iPhone

The terminal, often referred to as the command line, is one of the most powerful tools available in Linux. For newcomers, it may seem intimidating at first, but understanding a few essential commands can significantly enhance your productivity and control over the system. Whether you’re managing files, installing software, or monitoring system performance, the terminal is your gateway to the heart of Linux. In this article, we will explore 20 essential Linux commands that every new user should know, complete with explanations and usage examples.

1. pwd – Print Working Directory

This command shows the full path of your current location in the file system.

pwd

Example Output:

/home/username/Documents

2. ls – List Directory Contents

Used to list files and directories in your current location.

ls
ls -l # Long listing format
ls -a # Include hidden files

3. cd – Change Directory

Use cd to navigate between directories.

cd /home/username/Documents
cd .. # Move up one level
cd ~ # Go to the home directory

4. mkdir – Make Directory

Create new directories with this command.

mkdir my_folder

5. rmdir – Remove Directory

Deletes an empty directory.

rmdir my_folder

6. rm – Remove Files or Directories

Deletes files or directories. Use caution!

rm file.txt
rm -r folder_name # Recursively delete a directory

7. cp – Copy Files and Directories

Copy files and directories from one place to another.

cp source.txt destination.txt
cp -r folder1/ folder2/ # Copy folders

8. mv – Move or Rename Files

Use mv to move or rename files and directories.

mv oldname.txt newname.txt
mv file.txt /home/username/Documents/

9. touch – Create an Empty File

Creates a new, empty file.

touch newfile.txt

10. cat – Concatenate and Display Files

Displays the contents of a file.

cat file.txt

11. nano – Text Editor

A simple command-line text editor.

nano file.txt

12. man – Manual Pages

Displays the manual for any command.

man ls
man mkdir

4. chown – Change Ownership

Change the ownership of files and directories.

sudo chown user:user file.txt

15. top – Task Manager

Shows real-time system processes and resource usage.

top

16. ps – Process Status

Lists currently running processes.

ps aux
ps -ef

17. kill – Terminate Processes

Send signals to processes to terminate them.

kill PID
kill -9 PID # Force kill

18. df – Disk Free

Shows available disk space.

df -h # Human-readable format

19. du – Disk Usage

Displays the size of files and directories.

du -sh * # Summary of current directory

20. sudo – Superuser Do

Run commands with administrative privileges.

sudo apt update
sudo rm important_file.txt

Tips for Using the Terminal Effectively

• Use the Tab key to auto-complete file names and commands.
• Use the Up Arrow to cycle through command history.
• Combine commands using &&, ||, or ; for efficient workflows.
• Redirect output using > or >> to create or append to files.

---

Conclusion

Mastering the Linux terminal starts with a solid understanding of basic commands. These 20 commands lay the foundation for deeper system management, troubleshooting, scripting, and automation. Whether you’re a student, developer, or system administrator, becoming proficient in the command line will unlock the true power of Linux. Take your time to experiment with these commands, and you’ll soon find the terminal an indispensable part of your workflow.