Getting Started with Linux Command Line

How to start your WSL?

Open Ubuntu by simply searching 'Ubuntu' in your Windows search bar and clicking on the Ubuntu app. Once opened, you'll have access to the terminal where you can enter your commands.

Your Home folder in Ubuntu

In Ubuntu and many other Linux-based operating systems, the "Home folder" or "home directory" is a central location on your system where each user has their own dedicated storage space for personal files, documents, configuration files, and settings.

You can access your home directory using the "~" (tilde) notation.

Execute the command to print your home directory.

What is CD command?

The "cd" command, short for "change directory," is a fundamental tool in command-line interfaces like the Linux terminal and Windows Command Prompt.
Its primary function is to facilitate seamless navigation between directories or folders within a file system.
The cd command allows you to change your current working directory to a specified directory.
You always need to pay attention to your working directory.

To change to a specific directory

You can use the cd command followed by the path to the directory you want to navigate to (get into).

cd /path/to/directory

To change to to the Home Directory

You can use cd without any arguments to quickly return to your home directory.

cd

Clear the command history stored in the current session

For in-class tasks, you are required to execute the commands as instructed and capture the command history upon completion. To ensure that only the commands executed during the current session are captured, it’s recommended to start each session with a clean history. Use the following command to clear the command history stored in the current session.

# Clear the current session's history
history -c

Navigating within the directory using the relative path

When your directories or files are located within the same directory, you can use relative pathstree to efficiently navigate up or down the directory tree from your current location.
cd .. moves up one level back (towards the parent directory).
cd foldername moves into a directory named "foldername" in your current location.

Using Tilde (~) Shortcut

You can also use the tilde (~) as a shortcut to represent your home directory.

cd ~

Navigating between directories using the absolute path

Learn to navigate between directories using the absolute path.

Creating a new Directory (MKDIR)

You task is to create a couple of directories in your home folder.

Creating Multiple Directories with MKDIR

Your task is to create multiple directories at least 3 with a single mkdir command.

Creating a text file with a nano text editor.

Your task is to create 3 text files using a text editor. You can write something in your text file. You can create these text files into any of the directory that you have created above. Remember how to save the file using nano.

Understanding the path (absolute & relative)

What do you understand by absolute and relative path? Discuss with each other with examples.

Creating Files with Redirection

Learn to use pipe sign as mentioned in the video tutorial.

Some examples of using wildcard characters in Ubuntu

Use some wild characters with ls commands and get familiar with wildcard characters.

Manipulating Files & Folders

Removing an empty directory

Your task is remove one of the empty director which you have created above.

Removing a non-empty directory

Your task is remove the directory that has files which you have created above with nano text editor.

Copying a file/directory (use relative path)

Create 3 text files in one of your directory and copy them to different directory.

Moving a file/directory (use absolute path)

Create 3 text files in one of your directory and move them to different directory.

Renaming Files & Directories

Rename a few of your files and directories.

Data Manipulation

Create a text file called data.txt using nano text editor. Copy some text from wikipedia ( atleast a couple of pages).
Use cat command to view the file's content.
Use less command to display one page at a time.
- Use spacebar to go to the new page.
- Type q to quit viewing the file.
Use head command to view the head of the file.
Use tail command to view into the end of the file.
Use grep command to search something within your file

Pipe |