Basics

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A small Linux cheat sheet, introducing the very basic and very essential commands for surviving at the Linux CLI.

Moving around in the file system

Command Action
pwd "Print working directory" - show what dir you're in.
ls List the contents of a dir.
ls -l List the contents of a dir and show additional info of the files.
ls -a List all files, including hidden files.
cd Change directory.
cd .. Go to the parent directory.


Examining files

Command Action
file Determine the type of a file.
cat Concatenate a file.
less View text files and paginate them if needed.


Manipulating files and directories

Command Action
cp Copy a file.
cp -i Copy a file and ask before overwriting.
cp -r Copy a directory with its contents.
mv Move or rename a file.
mv -i Move or rename a file and ask before overwriting.
rm Remove a file.
rm -r Remove a directory with its contents.
rm -i Ask before removing a file. Good to use with the -r option.
mkdir Make a directory.
rmdir Remove an empty directory.


Files and directory Permissions

Command Action
chown Change ownership
chgrp Change group
chmod Change permissions


NOTE: Calculate permissions automatically using the Linux Permission Chart Table