Linux Commands Reference Guide
A complete categorized reference of Linux commands, file operations, and system utilities for efficient terminal-based workflows
File & Directory Management
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
ls | Lists files and directories. | ls -l /home/user |
cd | Changes current directory. | cd /var/log |
pwd | Displays current working directory. | pwd |
mkdir | Creates a new directory. | mkdir new_folder |
rm | Removes files or directories. | rm file.txt |
cp | Copies files or directories. | cp file.txt /backup/ |
mv | Moves or renames files/directories. | mv file.txt newfile.txt |
Process & System Management
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
top | Displays running processes and resource usage. | top |
ps | Shows process status. | ps aux | grep python |
kill | Terminates processes by PID. | kill 1234 |
df | Shows disk usage of file systems. | df -h |
du | Displays disk usage of files/directories. | du -sh /home/user |
uptime | Shows system uptime and load. | uptime |
free | Displays memory usage. | free -h |
Networking Commands
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
ping | Tests connectivity to a host. | ping google.com |
ifconfig | Displays network interface configuration. | ifconfig |
netstat | Shows network connections and routing tables. | netstat -tuln |
ssh | Connects to a remote system via SSH. | ssh user@server |
scp | Copies files over SSH. | scp file.txt user@server:/home/user |
Package Management
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
apt | Package management for Debian/Ubuntu. | sudo apt update && sudo apt install vim |
yum | Package management for CentOS/RHEL. | sudo yum install nano |
dpkg | Installs or queries Debian packages. | dpkg -i package.deb |
rpm | Installs or queries RPM packages. | rpm -ivh package.rpm |
About Linux Commands Reference Guide
This Linux commands and utilities reference is a comprehensive, categorized guide for efficiently working in Linux terminal environments, system administration, file management, networking, and package management. It is ideal for beginners, developers, sysadmins, and IT professionals who want to quickly learn and apply essential Linux commands to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
Applications
- File & Directory Commands – Navigate the filesystem, create, copy, move, or delete files and directories, and manage permissions effectively.
- Process & System Management – Monitor, control, and terminate processes, check system uptime, CPU/memory usage, and optimize system performance.
- Networking Commands – Test connectivity, configure network interfaces, monitor connections, and securely transfer files using SSH or SCP.
- Package Management – Install, update, and remove software packages with tools like
apt,yum,dpkg, andrpm.
By using these commands effectively, you can:
- Navigate the Linux filesystem quickly and manage files efficiently
- Monitor and control system resources and processes
- Configure network settings and troubleshoot connectivity
- Install and maintain software packages across distributions
- Automate repetitive tasks and streamline terminal workflows
Mastering Linux terminal commands and utilities improves workflow, automates repetitive tasks, and ensures precise system administration across environments.