02. Intro to the CLI

This lab introduces essential Command Line Interface (CLI) commands in Linux-style operating systems.

You are responsible for knowing all the CLI commands in this lab.

By the end of the lab, you should be able to navigate a Linux file system, manage files and directories, manipulate text files, and utilize process management commands.

Make sure that you have completed Installing a *nix operating system first!

Pro tips before you get started

  1. Mega important:There is no notion of “undo”, a “trash can”, or a “recycle bin” in the CLI. You run a command, it’s done. So you have to be careful when you do things like delete or move files in the CLI.
  2. Press the Tab key to autocomplete the command or filename you are typing. Big time saver.
  3. Use the up arrow on your keyboard to cycle through the most-recently used commands you typed in. Good for re-running things.
  4. Program going crazy and the CLI is not responding? Stuck typing and can’t get out? Press Control+C or Command+C. This sends a signal to the OS to kill the running process.

Class introduction

Launching a Terminal

The terminal is the program that lets users access an OS’s Command Line Interface (CLI).

Navigating the file system

Use the CLI to move through the filesystem and see its contents.

File and directory management

Use the CLI to manage files and directories.

Text files

Use the CLI to manipulate and print text files (like source code).

Process management

Use the CLI to manipulate the OSes processes.

Last modified January 27, 2025.