Module 1
Visualizing the Linux Filesystem
Before we hit the terminal, look at how the folders are organized. Every path you type starts from /.
- /bin & /usr/bin: Where the "binary" executable files live (like the commands ls and cd).
- /etc: The "et cetera" folder—this is where all your configuration files are stored.
- /home: Where users keep their personal files.
- /root: The home directory for the all-powerful Root user.
- /var: Where files that change size live (like system logs).
Phase 1: Navigation Commands
Open your terminal. These four commands are your eyes and legs.
- pwd (Print Working Directory): Tells you exactly where you are sitting.
- ls (List): Shows you what files and folders are in your current spot. Pro Tip: Use ls -la to see hidden files and extra details (like file size).
- cd (Change Directory): Move between folders. cd .. moves you up one level. cd ~ takes you straight home.
- clear: Cleans up the screen when it gets too messy.
Phase 2: File Manipulation
Now that you can move, you need to be able to create and destroy.
- mkdir [name]: Create a new folder.
- touch [filename]: Create an empty file.
- cp [source] [destination]: Copy a file.
- mv [source] [destination]: Move a file (also used to rename files).
- rm [file]: Remove a file. (Be careful: there is no "Recycle Bin" in the terminal. Once it's gone, it's gone).
Phase 3: Peeking Inside
How do you see what's written in a file without a heavy text editor?
- cat: Dumps the whole file onto your screen.
- head -n 5: Shows you only the first 5 lines.
- tail -n 5: Shows you the last 5 lines (great for reading logs).
- less: Lets you scroll through a file (press q to exit).
The "Module 1" Practical Challenge
Log into your Linux VM and perform these steps exactly. If you get an error, try to read what it says—it usually tells you exactly what went wrong.
- Navigate: Go to your home directory (cd ~).
- Create: Create a folder named Linux_Basics.
- Enter: Move inside that folder.
- Write: Create three empty files named test1.txt, test2.txt, and config.conf.
- Organize: Create a sub-folder inside Linux_Basics called Old_Files.
- Move: Move test1.txt into the Old_Files folder.
- Rename: Rename test2.txt to final_report.txt.
- Verify: Run ls -R (recursive list) to see your entire structure.
Module 1.5: The "Quality of Life" Tools
- Tab Completion: This is the #1 rule of Linux. Start typing a filename or command and hit the Tab key. Linux will finish it for you. If it doesn't, hit Tab twice to see all possibilities. Never type out a full long filename manually.
- Command History: Press the Up Arrow to see the last command you ran. Type history to see a numbered list of everything you've typed recently.
- The Manual (man): If you don't know what a command does, type man followed by the command (e.g., man ls). It opens the "manual" page. Press q to exit.
Continue to Module 2