Mastering the Command Line Interface in Windows and Linux: From Basics to Advanced
Essential Command Line Commands: Windows and Linux Systems
Essential Command Line Commands: Windows and Linux Systems
Hello readers👋, Welcome to our comprehensive Blog on mastering the Command Line Interface (CLI) in both Windows and Linux. This blog is made in keeping in mind that you are a complete beginner or looking to improve your CLI skills, this blog is designed to walk through the basics to more advanced concepts, using simple language and clear examples.
Introduction to CLI
The Command Line Interface is a text-based interface used for interacting with your computers operating system. Unlike the graphical user interface (GUI), CLI relies on text input to execute commands, manage files, and run scripts.
Why Learn CLI?
Efficiency: Faster execution of certain tasks.
Control: Greater control over your operating system.
Automation: Simplifies task automation.
Resource-Friendly: Uses fewer system resources than GUI.
Getting Started with CLI in Windows
Windows users typically interact with the Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Opening Command Prompt
Press
Win + R
, typecmd
, and press Enter. this will open Command Prompt.
Commands For Windows:
dir
- Lists files and directories.
C:\> dir
cd
- Changes the current directory.
C:\> cd path\to\directory
mkdir
- Creates a new directory.
C:\path\to\directory> mkdir medium_Writtings
del
- Deletes a file.
C:\path\to\directory> del blog1.txt
tasklist
: Displays all running processes.
C:\> tasklist
systeminfo
: Shows detailed system information.
C:\> systeminfo
sfc /scannow
: Scans and fixes system files.
C:\> sfc /scannow
chkdsk
: Checks the file system and file system metadata for errors.
C:\> chkdsk C:
ipconfig
: Displays TCP/IP network configuration values.
C:\> ipconfig /all
netstat
: Shows active TCP connections and ports.
C:\> netstat -a
robocopy
: Robust file copy command for Windows.
C:\> robocopy C:\source C:\destination /MIR
shutdown
: Shuts down or restart your computer.
C:\> shutdown /r /t 0
Linux CLI Commands
Linux users typically interact with the Terminal
Press Ctrl+Alt+T
. this will open the Terminal.
ls
: Lists files and directories.
$ ls
cd
: Changes the current directory.
$ cd /path/to/directory
mkdir
: Creates a new directory.
$ mkdir newfolder
rm
: Removes files or directories.
$ rm filename.txt
grep
: Searches for patterns in files.
$ grep 'search-term' filename.txt
chmod
: Changes file permissions.
$ chmod 755 filename.txt
sudo
: Executes commands with superuser privileges.
$ sudo apt-get update ["apt-get update will search for update"]
top
: Displays real-time process information.
$ top
df
: Reports disk space usage.
$ df -h
tar
: Compresses and archives files.
$ tar -czvf archive-name.tar.gz /path/to/directory
wget
: Downloads files from the internet.
$ wget [URL]
ssh
: Securely logs onto remote systems.
$ ssh username@remote_host
ps
: Displays information about active processes. It's essential for process monitoring.
$ ps aux
kill
: Sends a signal to a process, typically to stop the process. It's crucial for process management.
$ kill [process_id]
crontab
: Schedules scripts or commands to run periodically at fixed times, dates, or intervals. It is widely used for automating system maintenance or administration tasks.
$ crontab -e
rsync
: A fast and versatile tool for copying files locally and remotely. It is known for its delta-transfer algorithm, which reduces the amount of data sent over the network.
$ rsync -avz /local/directory/ user@remote:/remote/directory/
Conclusion
Mastering the CLI in Windows and Linux can significantly enhance your productivity and understanding of your computers inner workings. Start with the basics, practice regularly, and gradually introduce yourself to more advanced commands and concepts. The CLI is a powerful tool that helps you with a lot of tasks.