What are the basic to get started with CLI?

Getting Started with CLI: Basic Commands You Need to Know

The Command Line Interface (CLI) is a powerful tool that allows users to interact with their operating system through text commands. While it may seem intimidating at first, mastering some basic commands can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. Below are essential commands to help you get started with CLI on both Windows and Linux systems.

Basic Commands for Windows CLI

1. cd: Change Directory

   • Usage: cd [directory_path]

   • This command allows you to navigate to different directories in your file system.

2. dir: List Directory Contents

   • Usage: dir

   • This command displays all files and folders in the current directory.

3. mkdir or md: Make Directory

   • Usage: mkdir [directory_name]

   • Use this command to create a new folder in the current directory.

4. rmdir or rd: Remove Directory

   • Usage: rmdir [directory_name]

   • This command deletes an empty directory.

5. copy: Copy Files

   • Usage: copy [source] [destination]

   • This command copies files from one location to another.

6. move: Move Files

   • Usage: move [source] [destination]

   • Use this command to move files from one location to another.

7. del: Delete Files

   • Usage: del [file_name]

   • This command permanently deletes specified files.

8. cls: Clear Screen

   • Usage: cls

   • Clears the terminal screen for better visibility.

9. exit: Close Command Prompt

   • Usage: exit

   • This command closes the Command Prompt window.

Basic Commands for Linux CLI

1. cd: Change Directory

   • Usage: cd [directory_path]

   • Similar to Windows, this command changes the current directory.

2. ls: List Directory Contents

   • Usage: ls

   • Lists all files and directories in the current location.

3. mkdir: Make Directory

   • Usage: mkdir [directory_name]

   • Creates a new directory in the current location.

4. rmdir: Remove Directory

   • Usage: rmdir [directory_name]

   • Deletes an empty directory.

5. cp: Copy Files

   • Usage: cp [source] [destination]

   • Copies files or directories from one location to another.

6. mv: Move Files

   • Usage: mv [source] [destination]

   • Moves files or renames them if the destination is a different name within the same directory.

7. rm: Remove Files

   • Usage: rm [file_name]

   • Deletes specified files; use with caution as this action is irreversible.

8. clear: Clear Screen

   • Usage: clear

   • Clears the terminal screen for better visibility.

9. man: Manual Pages

   • Usage: man [command_name]

   • Displays the manual for a specified command, providing detailed information about its usage and options.

Conclusion

Getting comfortable with these basic CLI commands can significantly improve your ability to navigate and manage your computer's file system efficiently. Whether you are using Windows or Linux, these commands form the foundation of effective command line usage, enabling you to perform tasks quickly and automate processes as you become more proficient with the CLI.-Written By Hexahome