Command Line Basics

  • pwd = print working directory (current location)
  • mkdir = make directory
  • ls = list
    • -a = show hidden
    • -l = details
    • -lh = details with human readable sizes
    • -R = recursive list — everything in subfolders
    • -t = sort by time
  • cd = change directory
    • ~ or no arg = go to home
    • .. = move up one level
    • ../../ = move up 2 levels
    • - = previous directory
    • / = root directory
  • mv [source] [dest] = move or rename
  • rm [file] = remove file
    • rm -r [folder] = remove whole folder

Copy

  • cp = copy
    • -r or -R = recursive — everything in subfolders (needed to copy a whole folder)
    • -u = update — only copies if source is newer or destination is missing
    • -v = verbose — displays a message for each file
    • -n = no-clobber — prevents overwriting any existing files in destination
    • -f = force — overwrites without prompting

Permissions

  • chown = change owner
  • chmod = change permissions
    • -R [folder] = apply recursively to subfolders
    • 777 = full permissions for everyone

Shortcuts

  • Ctrl+L = clear screen
  • Ctrl+C = cancel command
  • Ctrl+R = search history (press, then start typing a past command)