Top 15 Linux Commands Every User Must Master

crawsecsaket
6 days ago
5 min read

Linux is one of the most powerful and versatile operating systems in the world. From powering servers and supercomputers to running on your laptop or Raspberry Pi, Linux has proven its reliability and efficiency across industries. While Linux offers graphical interfaces, the real magic lies in its command-line interface (CLI).

If you’re a beginner, the terminal might seem intimidating at first. But once you master the essential Linux commands, you’ll realize how much control and productivity they bring to your daily workflow.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 15 Linux commands every user must master. Whether you’re a student, developer, or system administrator, these commands will help you navigate, manage, and troubleshoot Linux systems like a pro.

Why Should You Learn Linux Commands?

Before diving into the commands, let’s understand why they matter:

Faster execution—CLI often performs tasks more quickly than graphical interfaces.
Remote management—Most Linux servers don’t come with GUIs, so commands are essential.
Automation—Commands can be combined into scripts to automate tasks.
Troubleshooting power system errors is easier to debug using the terminal.

Now, let’s explore the must-know Linux commands.

1. pwd (Print Working Directory)

The pwd command helps you identify your current directory path. It’s very handy when you’re lost in nested folders.

pwd

Example Output:

/home/user/Documents

2. ls (List)

The ls command displays the files and directories in your current location.

Useful Options:

ls -l → long listing with details.
ls -a → includes hidden files.
ls -lh → human-readable file sizes.

ls -lha

3. cd (Change Directory)

The cd command allows you to move into another directory.

cd /path/to/folder

Shortcuts:

cd ~ → go to home directory.
cd .. → move one step up.
cd - → return to previous directory.

4. touch (Create File)

The touch command creates new empty files.

touch newfile.txt

It can also update the timestamp of existing files.

5. cat (View File Content)

The cat command displays the contents of a file directly in the terminal.

cat file.txt

You can also combine files:

cat file1.txt file2.txt > merged.txt

6. cp (Copy)

The cp command is used to copy files or directories.

cp file.txt backup.txt

For directories, use recursive mode:

cp -r folder1/ folder2/

7. mv (Move/Rename)

The mv command moves files or renames them.

mv oldname.txt newname.txt

mv file.txt /path/to/folder/

8. rm (Remove)

The rm command deletes files and directories. Be very careful—this action cannot be undone!

rm file.txt

rm -r foldername/

For safety, use interactive mode:

rm -i file.txt

9. man (Manual Pages)

If you’re unsure about a command, the man command gives you the official manual.

man ls

It explains options, syntax, and usage examples.

10. chmod (Change Permissions)

The chmod command changes permissions for files and directories.

chmod 755 script.sh

This grants full access to the owner and read/execute to others.

11. chown (Change Ownership)

Use chown to change the owner or group of a file.

chown user: group file.txt

12. echo (Display Text/Variables)

The echo command prints text or variable values.

echo "Hello, Linux!"

echo $HOME

It’s widely used in shell scripts.

13. df (Disk Free)

The df command shows disk space usage.

df -h

The -h flag displays output in human-readable format.

14. du (Disk Usage)

The du command tells you how much space directories or files are consuming.

du -sh /var/log

This is useful for finding storage-hungry directories.

15. top (Process Viewer)

The top command displays running processes in real-time, like Windows Task Manager.

top

For a more user-friendly interface, you can install and use:

htop

Bonus Commands Worth Knowing

Here are a few extra commands that every Linux user will eventually use:

grep—Search for specific text inside files.
find—Locate files in directories.
history—Display command history.
wget/curl—Download files from the web.

Best Practices for Using Linux Commands

Always double-check before running destructive commands like rm.
Use tab completion to save time and avoid typos.
Combine commands using pipes for more powerful operations.
Practice regularly to become fluent in the CLI environment.

Conclusion

Learning the top 15 Linux commands is a milestone for anyone working with Linux. These commands—ranging from navigation (pwd, cd, ls) to file management (cp, mv, rm) and system monitoring (df, du, top)—are the foundation of Linux expertise.

By mastering them, you’ll not only save time but also gain the ability to work confidently across different Linux environments, from desktops to servers. Once you’re comfortable with these basics, you can move into advanced topics like shell scripting and automation, taking your Linux skills to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Linux commands?

Linux commands are instructions typed into the terminal to interact with the operating system. They allow users to perform actions like navigating directories, managing files, monitoring system resources, and troubleshooting issues.

2. Why should I learn Linux commands?

Learning Linux commands is important because most Linux servers and systems rely heavily on the terminal. Mastering them gives you more control, speeds up tasks, enables automation through scripting, and helps in managing remote servers where no GUI is available.

3. Is Linux only for advanced users?

No, Linux can be used by both beginners and professionals. With practice, anyone can master basic commands. Many distributions, like Ubuntu and Linux Mint, are user-friendly and designed for newcomers, but professionals use advanced commands to manage large-scale systems.

4. What is the difference between Linux GUI and CLI?

The GUI (Graphical User Interface) uses icons, windows, and menus for interaction, while the CLI (Command Line Interface) uses text-based commands. CLI is more powerful, lightweight, and efficient, especially for system administration and automation.

5. Which Linux command is used most often?

Some of the most commonly used commands are

ls → to list files.
cd → to change directories.
pwd → to check the current directory.
cp and mv → to copy or move files.

6. How do I get help if I forget a command in Linux?

You can use the man command to read the manual of any command. For example:

man ls

This will show all available options and examples. Another way is to use the --help flag, such as ls --help.

7. Can I undo a deleted file using rm in Linux?

Unfortunately, no. Once you delete a file using rm, it is permanently removed. Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux does not have a recycle bin for terminal deletions. Always use rm -i to confirm before deleting files.

8. What is the difference between chmod and chown?

chmod changes the permissions (read, write, execute) of a file or directory.
chown changes the ownership of a file or directory to another user or group.

9. Which Linux command shows system processes?

The top command displays all currently running processes and system usage in real time. For a more user-friendly and interactive display, you can install and use the htop command.

10. How can I practice Linux commands safely?

If you’re new, you can:

Install Linux on a virtual machine (like VirtualBox).
Use WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) if you’re on Windows.
Try online Linux terminals available on websites for free.