18 Most-Used Linux Commands You Should Know 🚀

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Linux commands form the foundation of managing and interacting with Linux-based systems. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, these commands are essential for navigating, managing files, and performing system tasks efficiently. In this guide, we’ll explore the 18 most-used Linux commands, breaking down their purpose and usage with examples.

1️⃣ ls – List Files and Directories 📂

✅ Overview

The ls command lists all files and directories in the current directory. It helps users view content quickly and navigate the system efficiently.

📌 Example:

ls                 # List files in the current directory
ls -l             # Detailed list with permissions, size, and modification date
ls -a             # Show hidden files

2️⃣ cd – Change Directory 📁

✅ Overview

The cd command allows users to navigate between directories with ease.

📌 Example:

cd /home/user/documents  # Navigate to the 'documents' directory
cd ..                    # Move up one directory level
cd ~                     # Move to the home directory

3️⃣ mkdir – Create New Directory 📂

✅ Overview

The mkdir command is used to create new directories.

📌 Example:

mkdir my_folder           # Create a new directory
mkdir -p parent/child     # Create parent and child directories

4️⃣ rm – Remove Files or Directories 🗑️

✅ Overview

The rm command is used to permanently delete files or directories.

📌 Example:

rm file.txt              # Remove a single file
rm -r folder_name        # Remove a directory and its contents

5️⃣ mv – Move or Rename Files 🔄

✅ Overview

The mv command is used to move or rename files and directories.

📌 Example:

mv old_name.txt new_name.txt  # Rename a file
mv file.txt /home/user/docs   # Move a file to another directory

6️⃣ chmod – Change File Permissions 🔐

✅ Overview

The chmod command is used to modify file or directory permissions.

📌 Example:

chmod 755 script.sh        # Assign read, write, and execute permissions
chmod u+x script.sh        # Grant execute permission to the user

7️⃣ cp – Copy Files or Directories 📑

✅ Overview

The cp command is used to copy files or directories.

📌 Example:

cp file.txt /backup/       # Copy a file to another directory
cp -r folder_name /backup/ # Copy a folder and its contents

8️⃣ find – Search for Files 🔎

✅ Overview

The find command is used to locate files and directories based on conditions.

📌 Example:

find /home -name "*.txt"   # Find all .txt files in the /home directory

9️⃣ grep – Search for Patterns 📄

✅ Overview

The grep command is used to search for specific patterns in files.

📌 Example:

grep "error" log.txt       # Search for "error" in log.txt
grep -r "function" .       # Recursively search in the current directory

🔟 vi – Edit Files ✏️

✅ Overview

The vi command opens the vi editor to modify files.

📌 Example:

vi file.txt
# Tip: Use 'i' to insert text and ':wq' to save and exit.

1️⃣1️⃣ cat – Display File Contents 📜

✅ Overview

The cat command displays the content of a file.

📌 Example:

cat file.txt   # Display the contents of a file

1️⃣2️⃣ tar – Archive Files 📦

✅ Overview

The tar command creates or extracts tarball archive files.

📌 Example:

tar -cvf archive.tar folder/  # Create an archive
tar -xvf archive.tar          # Extract an archive

1️⃣3️⃣ ps – Display Process Information 🖥️

✅ Overview

The ps command displays active processes.

📌 Example:

ps                          # List processes in the current shell
ps aux                      # List all processes with details

1️⃣4️⃣ kill – Terminate Processes ❌

✅ Overview

The kill command terminates a process by its ID.

📌 Example:

kill 1234                   # Terminate process with PID 1234

1️⃣5️⃣ top – Monitor System Resources 📊

✅ Overview

The top command displays real-time system resource usage.

📌 Example:

top  # Monitor system processes 

1️⃣6️⃣ ifconfig – Configure Network Interfaces 🌐

✅ Overview

The ifconfig command displays or configures network interfaces.

📌 Example:

ifconfig  # Display network information

🔹 Note: Use ip addr as a modern alternative.

1️⃣7️⃣ ping – Test Network Connectivity 📡

✅ Overview

The ping command sends ICMP packets to test connectivity.

📌 Example:

ping google.com  # Check connectivity to Google's servers

1️⃣8️⃣ du – Check Disk Usage 💾

✅ Overview

The du command estimates file or directory space usage.

📌 Example:

du -h             # Display file sizes in a human-readable format
du -sh folder/    # Summarize folder size

🎯 Conclusion

Mastering these 18 essential Linux commands equips you to navigate and manage Linux systems efficiently. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, these commands are foundational for working in Linux environments.

💬 Which of these commands do you use the most? Let us know in the comments! 🚀