CLI Basics - Command Line Guide

`pwd`

Print Working Directory

What does it do?

Shows the full path of the folder you are currently in. This is helpful when you need to know your exact location in the file system.

Example:

                        $ pwd
                        /Users/yourname/Documents/projects
                    

When to use it:

When you open the terminal and want to know where you are
Before running commands that affect files
To confirm you're in the right directory

`ls`

List Directory Contents

What does it do?

Shows all files and folders in your current directory. You can see what's available without opening a file explorer.

Example:

                        $ ls
                        Documents  Downloads  Pictures  Music
                    

                        $ ls -la
                        drwxr-xr-x  5 user  staff   160 Jan 15 10:30 Documents
                        drwxr-xr-x  3 user  staff    96 Jan 14 09:15 Downloads
                    

Common options:

ls -l - Shows detailed information (permissions, size, date)
ls -a - Shows hidden files (files starting with .)
ls -la - Combines both: detailed list with hidden files

`cd`

Change Directory

What does it do?

Moves you to a different folder. This is how you navigate through your file system in the terminal.

Example:

                        $ cd Documents
                        # Moves into the Documents folder
                    

                        $ cd ..
                        # Goes up one folder level
                    

                        $ cd ~
                        # Goes to your home directory
                    

Common uses:

cd foldername - Enter a folder
cd .. - Go back to parent folder
cd ~ - Go to home directory
cd / - Go to root directory

`clear`

Clear Terminal Screen

What does it do?

Clears all text from the terminal window. Your command history is still saved, but the screen looks clean and fresh.

Example:

                        $ clear
                        # Terminal screen is now empty
                    

When to use it:

When your terminal feels cluttered
Before starting a new task
Shortcut: Ctrl + L (Mac/Linux) or Ctrl + L (Windows)

`man` / `--help`

Manual / Help

What does it do?

Shows documentation for any command. This is your built-in help system when you forget how a command works.

Example:

                        $ man ls
                        # Opens the manual for the ls command
                    

                        $ ls --help
                        # Shows quick help for ls command
                    

When to use it:

When you forget what options a command has
To learn about a new command
Press q to exit the manual page

CLI Guide

Basic CLI Commands

`pwd`

What does it do?

Example:

When to use it:

`ls`

What does it do?

Example:

Common options:

`cd`

What does it do?

Example:

Common uses:

`clear`

What does it do?

Example:

When to use it:

`man` / `--help`

What does it do?

Example:

When to use it:

Ready for more?

Basic CLI Commands

pwd

What does it do?

Example:

When to use it:

ls

What does it do?

Example:

Common options:

cd

What does it do?

Example:

Common uses:

clear

What does it do?

Example:

When to use it:

man / --help

What does it do?

Example:

When to use it:

Ready for more?

`pwd`

`ls`

`cd`

`clear`

`man` / `--help`