The Benefits of Utilizing the Command Line

When you're just getting started with a new operating system, you have to learn how to get around and perform basic actions like navigating the file structure, reading and writing files and creating and deleting files and directories. The command line is very similar in this regard.

The command line (once you're familiar with its commands) can be used to navigate a computer's file structure much faster than through the GUI (Graphical User Interface). It is also very helpful when working on a remote machine, like a web server.

One stumbling block for many first time command line users is the fact that when you startup your command line, you're just given a blank screen with a prompt where you can type in your command. Since there isn't anything to indicate what you should do next, you have to already know the commands before you get started.

This series will lay out some of the most basic command line commands. These are the ones you're most likely to use every time you open up the command line.

• We'll take a look at the pwd, ls and cd commands to see where you are in your file structure, what files and folders are in your current directory, and moving to other directories.
• We'll create and edit text files with the VI application, and learn the basics of utilizing VI.
• We'll learn how to move, rename, copy and delete files and folders with the mv, cp and rm commands.

There are plenty of other commands you might want to know, but this is an introductory class, and a quick Google search will provide all of the information you could want.