Quick reference for the most essential Linux commands.
| Command | Description |
|---|
pwd | Print working directory |
ls | List directory contents |
cd <path> | Change directory |
cd ~ | Go to home directory |
cd - | Go to previous directory |
| Command | Description |
|---|
touch <file> | Create empty file |
mkdir <dir> | Create directory |
cp <src> <dst> | Copy file/directory |
mv <src> <dst> | Move/rename file |
rm <file> | Remove file |
rm -r <dir> | Remove directory |
| Command | Description |
|---|
cat <file> | Display file contents |
less <file> | View file with pagination |
head <file> | Show first 10 lines |
tail <file> | Show last 10 lines |
tail -f <file> | Follow file (live updates) |
| Command | Description |
|---|
grep <pattern> <file> | Search in file |
grep -r <pattern> <dir> | Search recursively |
find <dir> -name <pattern> | Find files |
locate <name> | Quick file search |
| Command | Description |
|---|
chmod <perms> <file> | Change permissions |
chown <user> <file> | Change owner |
sudo <command> | Run as superuser |
chmod +x <script> | Make executable |
| Command | Description |
|---|
dnf search <pkg> | Search package |
dnf install <pkg> | Install package |
dnf remove <pkg> | Remove package |
dnf update | Update packages |
| Command | Description |
|---|
apt search <pkg> | Search package |
apt install <pkg> | Install package |
apt remove <pkg> | Remove package |
apt update && apt upgrade | Update system |
| Command | Description |
|---|
ps aux | Show all processes |
top | Interactive process viewer |
kill <pid> | Terminate process |
systemctl status <svc> | Service status |
journalctl -u <svc> | Service logs |
| Command | Description |
|---|
ip addr | Show IP addresses |
ping <host> | Test connectivity |
ssh user@host | Remote login |
scp <src> <dst> | Secure copy |
| Command | Description |
|---|
git init | Initialize repo |
git status | Show status |
git add <file> | Stage changes |
git commit -m "msg" | Commit |
git log | Show history |
| Command | Description |
|---|
docker pull <img> | Pull image |
docker run <img> | Run container |
docker ps | List containers |
docker stop <id> | Stop container |
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|
Tab | Auto-complete |
Ctrl+C | Cancel command |
Ctrl+L | Clear screen |
Ctrl+A | Start of line |
Ctrl+E | End of line |
Ctrl+U | Clear to start |
Ctrl+K | Clear to end |
Ctrl+R | Search history |
↑/↓ | Browse history |