Basic Linux Commands For Beginners With Easy Examples

Basic Linux Commands

Linux is a robust operating system based on the principle that anything can be controlled by commands. Whether you are a student, system administrator, or developer, mastering basic Linux commands provides the foundation for working successfully in a Linux environment.

The most crucial Linux commands for file management, file viewing, searching, and system information are explained in this article in an understandable and useful manner.

1. File and Directory Commands

These commands help you navigate and manage files and folders in the Linux file system.

1.1 ls – List Directory Contents

The ls command shows the files and directories in the current location.

Usage:

bash

ls

Common options:

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

This command is usually the first one people learn because it helps you see what exists in a directory.

1.2 pwd – Print Working Directory

Displays the full path of your current directory.

bash

pwd

It is useful when you are deep inside folders and want to know exactly where you are.

1.3 cd – Change Directory

Moves you from one directory to another.

bash

cd Documents

Special shortcuts:

• cd .. → Move one level up
• cd ~ → Go to home directory
• cd / → Go to root directory

Also read about What Is Linux Kernel? Why It Is Important And Its Components

1.4 mkdir – Create Directory

Creates a new folder.

bash

mkdir projects

Create nested folders:

bash

mkdir -p dev/linux/scripts

1.5 rmdir – Remove Empty Directory

Deletes a directory only if it is empty.

bash

rmdir oldfolder

For non-empty folders, use rm -r.

1.6 cp – Copy Files and Directories

Copies files from one place to another.

bash

cp file1.txt backup.txt

Copy directories:

bash

cp -r folder1 folder2

1.7 mv – Move or Rename

Moves files or renames them.

bash

mv file.txt newfile.txt

Move to another directory:

bash

mv file.txt /home/user/Documents/

1.8 rm – Remove Files or Directories

Deletes files permanently.

bash

rm file.txt

Delete directories:

bash

rm -r folder

Force delete:

bash

rm -rf folder

This command is dangerous because deleted files cannot be recovered easily.

Also read about Linux File System Structure Explained: Root And Directories

1.9 tree – Show Directory Structure

Displays folders in a tree-like format.

bash

tree

This helps visualize project structures clearly.

2. File Viewing Commands

These commands allow you to read file contents without editing.

2.1 cat – Display File Content

Prints the entire file to the terminal.

bash

cat file.txt

Useful for small files, but not recommended for very large files.

2.2 less and more – Scroll Through Files

Used for large files.

bash

less file.txt

• Scroll with arrow keys
• Press q to quit

less is more powerful than more.

2.3 head – View First Lines

Shows first 10 lines by default.

bash

head file.txt

Custom lines:

bash

head -n 20 file.txt

2.4 tail – View Last Lines

Shows last 10 lines.

bash

tail file.txt

Live monitoring:

bash

tail -f logfile.log

Used heavily in system logs.

Also read about Linux Check glibc Version: What Is glibc And Why It Matters

3. File Creation Commands

3.1 touch – Create Empty File

Creates a new empty file.

bash

touch notes.txt

Also used to update file timestamps.

3.2 Redirection (> and >>)

Redirection sends output into a file.

Overwrite file:

bash

echo "Hello Linux" > file.txt

Append to file:

bash

echo "New line" >> file.txt

This is commonly used in scripting and automation.

Also read about What Are System Utilities In Linux? Commands With Examples

4. Searching and Filtering Commands

4.1 find – Search Files in Real Time

Searches for files inside directories.

bash

find /home -name "*.txt"

Find files larger than 100MB:

bash

find / -size +100M

4.2 locate – Fast Search

Searches using a database.

bash

locate notes.txt

Much faster than find, but requires updated database.

4.3 grep – Search Inside Files

Searches text patterns.

bash

grep "error" logfile.txt

Search recursively:

bash

grep -r "linux" /home/user/

This is extremely useful for log analysis.

5. System Information Commands

5.1 uname – System Details

Shows kernel and system information.

bash

uname

Detailed:

bash

uname -a

5.2 date – Current Date and Time

bash

date

Set date (admin):

bash

sudo date -s "2026-01-30 10:00:00"

5.3 hostname – System Name

bash

hostname

Shows the network name of the machine.

Also read about Explain Different Types Of Linux Shells In Operating System