This chapter covers some of the basic commands that you need to know to be
productive at the command line. You find out how to get to the command line
and discover some of the commands used to navigate the file system and
perform basic operations with files, directories, and users. This chapter does
not give comprehensive coverage of all the commands discussed, but it does
give you enough to get started. Chapter 11, “Command-Line Master Class,
Part 1,” advances the subject further and expands on some of the commands
from this chapter. The skills you discover in this chapter help you get started
using the command line with confidence.
What Is the Command Line?
If you have spent any amount of time with experienced Linux users, you have
heard them mention the command line. Some, especially those who began
their journey in the Linux world using distributions that make it easy to
complete many tasks using a graphical user interface (GUI), such as Ubuntu,
might speak with trepidation about the mysteries of the text interface. Others
either praise its power or comment about doing something via the command
line as if it were the most natural and obvious way to complete a task.
It is not necessary for you to embrace either extreme. You might develop an
affinity for the command line when performing some tasks and might prefer
using the GUI for others. This is where most users end up today. Some might
say that you will never need to access the command line because Ubuntu
offers a slew of graphical tools that enable you to configure most things on
your system. Although the premise might be true most of the time, there are
some good reasons to acquire a fundamental level of comfort with the
command line that you should consider before embracing that view.
Sometimes things go wrong, and you might not have the luxury of a graphical
interface to work with. In such situations, a fundamental understanding of the
command line and its uses can be a real lifesaver. Also, some tasks end up
being far easier and faster to accomplish from the command line. More
importantly, though, you will be able to make your way around a command-
line-based system, which you will encounter if you ever work with a Linux
server because most Linux servers have no GUI, and all administration is
done using a command-line interface.
NOTE
Don’t be tempted to skip over this chapter as irrelevant. You should take the
time to work through the chapter and ensure that you are comfortable with
the command line before moving on. Doing so will benefit you greatly for