This Linux command line interface “cheat sheet” and other tips and shortcuts can be found at tuXfiles. Good to have for when you need to telnet or ssh into your server.
| Moving around in the file system | |
| Command | Action |
| pwd | “Print working directory” – show what dir you’re in. |
| ls | List the contents of a dir. |
| ls -l | List the contents of a dir and show additional info of the files. |
| ls -a | List all files, including hidden files. |
| cd | Change directory. |
| cd .. | Go to the parent directory. |
| Examining files | |
| Command | Action |
| file | Determine the type of a file. |
| cat | Concatenate a file. |
| less | View text files and paginate them if needed. |
| Manipulating files and directories | |
| Command | Action |
| cp | Copy a file. |
| cp -i | Copy a file and ask before overwriting. |
| cp -r | Copy a directory with its contents. |
| mv | Move or rename a file. |
| mv -i | Move or rename a file and ask before overwriting. |
| rm | Remove a file. |
| rm -r | Remove a directory with its contents. |
| rm -i | Ask before removing a file. Good to use with the -r option. |
| mkdir | Make a directory. |
| rmdir | Remove an empty directory. |