Introduction to Linux Command Line

Welcome to “Introduction to Linux Command Line” – a beginner’s guide to mastering the Linux command line, covering essential commands, shell scripting. I compiled this book to help me (re) learn Linux command line, and I hope it will make your day-to-day life easier while using Linux as a server or desktop.

Introduction to Linux Command Line

This book is divided into 4 parts for ease of reading and understanding. This series is intended to guide you from basic shell commands to advanced scripting, with hands-on examples and modern tools. Let’s dive into the power of Linux, one command at a time.

Part I: Command Line Basics

  1. What is the Shell?
  2. Navigating the Linux Filesystem
  3. Linux System Commands
  4. Working with Files and Directories
  5. How to Use Linux Commands Effectively

  6. Linux Command Redirection and Pipelines

  7. How the Shell Interprets Commands
  8. Email and Web Browsing in Linux
  9. File and Folder Permissions
  10. Linux Process Management
  11. Configuring the Linux Shell Environment

Part II: Text Processing and System Management

  1. Text Editing in Linux
  2. Text Processing Tools
  3. Regular Expressions
  4. Debian Software Packages
  5. Productivity Tools
  6. Networking Basics

Part III: Linux File Transfer and Security

  1. File Transfers
  2. Linux Security Basics
  3. System Monitoring
  4. File Archiving and Compression
  5. SSH Configuration
  6. Terminal Multiplexing (tmux)

Part IV: Scripting, Automation and Backups

  1. Automating Workflows using cron
  2. Shell Scripting
  3. Create and Manage Backups
  4. Introduction to Firewalls and iptables
  5. Introduction to git
  6. Text Processing with awk and sed
  7. Linux Man Pages and Parting Thoughts

Annexures

Try This: Open a terminal and run whoami to see your username. Share your journey on X with #LinuxCommandLine!

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this book will take you from the basics of shell navigation to advanced uses.

Designed with practicality in mind, it includes hands-on examples, modern tools, and real-world use cases to help you build confidence and efficiency. Edited by Amar Vyas, with AI assistance (like Grok for command explanations) this book bridges the gap between classic command-line skills and today’s Linux ecosystem. Dive in, experiment fearlessly, and unlock the full potential of Linux—one command at a time.

Let’s get started!

Introduction to Linux Command Line
AI generated image: Sora

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