reading-notes

The Terminal (The Command Line)

These notes explain how to use some basic commands in a terminal or command line and the importance of a text/code editor for development.

Text/Code Editor Key Features

When selecting a text or code editor there are some important features which will help determine its usefulness.

1. Code Completion: This will allow you to complete code faster and more accurately
2. Syntax Highlighting: This will distinguish between different elements in the code and identify patterns
3. Themes: This allows you to choose color themes that work well fpr your own work style and reduce strain on your eyes
4. Extensions: This allows you to extend the base functionality of the editor in order to support more languages or add other useful features to make development easier or more efficient

Commands

Commands are used to instruct the terminal and obtain information from the terminal. The following basic commands allow you to navigate and create directories (folders) and files.

pwd

The command pwd is short for print working directory. When you enter this command, the terminal will display which directory you are currently in.

ls

The command ls is short for list. When you enter this command, the terminal will display all directories and files inside your current directory.

cd

The command cd is short for change directory. When you enter this command, the terminal will move directories to argument specified after cd. For example, cd new-folder will move the command line to a directory named “new-folder”. Entering cd without an argument will return you to your home directory.

mkdir

The command mkdir is short for make directory. When you enter this command, the terminal will create a directory with name specified after the command. For example, mkdir new-folder will create a new directory titled “new-folder”.

touch

The command touch is used to create a new file. When you enter this command, the terminal will create a new file with the name and file type specified after the command. For example, touch new-file.md will create a new markdown file titled “new-file.md” in the current directory.

Arguments

Arguments are additional instructions added to commands which are required for some commands or optionally modify how a command executes. Arguments can also be used reduce the number of commands required to execute a desired action.

cd Arguments

In order for the cd command to navigate you to a directory other than your home directory, you will need to add an argument after the command. cd projects will move the current directory to the projects directory as long as it exists within that directory. cd .. uses a relative path to move from the current directory to its parent directory.

ls Arguments

An argument can be added to ls to show the contents of a directory other than the current directory. ls projects/new-project will list the contents of the “new-project” directory which is part of the “projects” directory. This will not move the command line from the current directory.

mkdir and touch Arguments

The mkdir and touch commands require an argument in order to execute successfully. You will new to specify the name, and in the case of a file you will also need to specify the file type. mkdir new-project will create a new directory with the name “new-project”. touch new-project/newfile.md will create a markdown file, specified by the file extension “.md”. This argument will also name the file “newfile” and create the file inside the “new-project” directory.

References