Basic Commands

Here’s a clear explanation of basic Linux commands with examples for each:

---

1. ls (List Directory Contents)

Purpose: Lists files and directories in the current folder.
Common Options:

• ls -l → Detailed list (permissions, owner, size, date)
• ls -a → Shows hidden files (starting with .)
• ls -h → Human-readable file sizes (KB, MB)

Example:

ls -lah  # Lists all files (including hidden) in detailed, readable format

---

2. cd (Change Directory)

Purpose: Moves you into a different directory.
Common Usage:

• cd /path/to/folder → Absolute path
• cd folder_name → Relative path
• cd .. → Go up one level
• cd ~ or cd → Go to home directory

Example:

cd Documents/Projects  # Enters the "Projects" folder inside "Documents"

---

3. mkdir (Make Directory)

Purpose: Creates a new directory (folder).
Common Options:

• mkdir -p parent/child → Creates nested directories at once.

Example:

mkdir new_folder       # Creates "new_folder"
mkdir -p dir1/dir2     # Creates "dir1" and "dir2" inside it

---

4. rm (Remove Files/Directories)

Purpose: Deletes files or directories.
Common Options:

• rm file.txt → Deletes a file.
• rm -r folder/ → Deletes a directory recursively (use with caution!).
• rm -f → Forces deletion (no confirmation).

Example:

rm old_file.txt        # Deletes "old_file.txt"
rm -r old_folder/      # Deletes "old_folder" and its contents

---

5. cp (Copy Files/Directories)

Purpose: Copies files or directories.
Common Options:

• cp file.txt new_location/ → Copies a file.
• cp -r folder/ backup/ → Copies a directory recursively.

Example:

cp notes.txt ~/Backups/  # Copies "notes.txt" to the "Backups" folder
cp -r project/ backup/   # Copies the entire "project" folder

---

6. mv (Move/Rename Files/Directories)

Purpose: Moves files/directories or renames them.
Common Usage:

• mv file.txt new_name.txt → Renames a file.
• mv file.txt /target/path/ → Moves a file.

Example:

mv old.txt new.txt      # Renames "old.txt" to "new.txt"
mv file.txt ~/Documents/ # Moves "file.txt" to "Documents"

---