Command-Line Master Class, Part 1
IN THIS CHAPTER
Why Use the Command Line?
Using Basic Commands
ReferencesSome Linux users like to focus on the graphical environments that are
available; they rush to tell new users that the command line isn’t vital when
using Linux. Although there are some amazing graphical user interface
(GUI) desktops, and this statement is mostly true, avoiding the command line
limits your options and makes some tasks more difficult. The command-line
interface offers the greatest power and flexibility, and those who actively
avoid learning how to use it are also actively limiting their abilities and
options. You learned the basics in Chapter 10, “Command-Line Beginner’s
Class.” In this chapter, we dig in deeper.
It is with some trepidation that this two-chapter set retains its classic title
“Command-Line Master Class.” Entire books have been published covering
the depth and breadth of the command line. To believe that two short chapters
make any reader a true master is foolish. Our greatest hope is to give enough
information to enable any reader to perform all basic and vital tasks from the
command line while inspiring readers to go on a quest to discover all the
beauty and grandeur that we do not have space to cover here. Please keep this
in mind as you continue.
In his book The Art of Unix Programming (2008, Addison-Wesley), Eric
Raymond wrote a short story that perfectly illustrates the power of the
command line versus the GUI. It’s reprinted here with permission, for your
reading pleasure:
One evening, Master Foo and Nubi attended a gathering of programmers
who had met to learn from each other. One of the programmers asked
Nubi to what school he and his master belonged. Upon being told they
were followers of the Great Way of Unix, the programmer grew scornful.
“The command-line tools of Unix are crude and backward,” he scoffed.
“Modern, properly designed operating systems do everything through a
graphical user interface.”