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Linux basics

Introduction​

This tutorial will guide you through essential Linux command line operations including directory navigation, file management, permissions, and basic bash scripting. Complete each section in order, as later sections build upon earlier concepts.

Prerequisites​

  • Access to a Linux terminal (Ubuntu, CentOS, or similar distribution)
  • Basic understanding of what a command line interface is

Section 1: Directory Navigation and Management​

1.1 Understanding Your Current Location​

First, let's see where you are in the file system:

pwd

This command shows your Present Working Directory.

1.2 Listing Directory Contents​

View what's in your current directory:

ls                # List the contents of the current directory
ls -l             # Long format with details
ls -la            # Include hidden files

1.3 Creating Your Tutorial Directory​

Starting location: Your home directory

Create the main tutorial directory:

mkdir linux_tutorial

Navigate into it:

cd linux_tutorial

Current location: You should now be in ~/linux_tutorial

Verify you're in the right place:

pwd

Create subdirectories inside linux_tutorial:

mkdir scripts files documents backup

Create nested directories:

mkdir -p projects/web/frontend

1.4 Navigating Within Your Tutorial Directory​

Current location: ~/linux_tutorial

List what you've created:

ls

Navigate to subdirectories:

cd scripts
pwd  # Should show ~/linux_tutorial/scripts
cd .. # Go back to linux_tutorial
pwd  # Should show ~/linux_tutorial

Navigate to nested directories:

cd projects/web/frontend
pwd  # Should show ~/linux_tutorial/projects/web/frontend
cd ../../.. # Go back to linux_tutorial root
pwd  # Should show ~/linux_tutorial