Command-Line Basics

1. Introduction

The command-line interface (CLI) is a powerful tool for interacting with your system. Understanding its basics is crucial for developers working with software tools and version control.

2. Key Concepts

• Command: An instruction given by the user to the computer.
• Terminal: A text-based interface to interact with the operating system.
• Shell: A program that interprets commands and acts as an intermediary between the user and the operating system.
• Path: The location of files and directories on the system.
• Environment Variables: Dynamic values that affect the processes and behavior of the system.

3. Basic Commands

Here are some of the most common command-line commands:

# Display the current directory
pwd

# List files and directories
ls -la

# Change directory
cd path/to/directory

# Copy files
cp source.txt destination.txt

# Move files
mv oldname.txt newname.txt

# Remove files
rm unwantedfile.txt

4. Best Practices

• Use tab completion to save time and avoid errors.
• Keep your commands organized and documented.
• Use version control systems like Git to manage changes.
• Regularly backup important files.
• Practice using commands in a safe environment before applying them in production.

5. FAQ