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Basic Commands

These are the most common commands used to explore and check your system in Linux.


Shows the current directory path where you are located.

Command:

pwd

Output:

/home/student

List Files and Directories

Displays all files and folders inside the current directory.

Command:

ls

Output:

Documents  Downloads  Pictures

Change Directory

Moves you from one directory to another.

Command:

cd /etc

Other useful examples:

cd ..        # move up one level
cd ~ # go to home directory

Display Current User

Shows which user is currently logged in.

Command:

whoami

Output:

student

Clear Screen

Clears the terminal window.

Command:

clear

Manual Page

Displays help documentation for any command.

Command:

man ls