Accomplishment Through the Linux Command Line

It is often stated that Linux/GNU is extremely difficult to learn. The perception is based on the early days of the operating system. Those were the days when all the powerful tools were executed from the command line. In fact, everything was done from the command prompt. Linux has retained the power derived from its Unix roots. Most of the early tools are still available. These utilities are frequently used and updated. In addition, the graphical interface competes head to head with any operating system. So, anyone can learn Linux. If you really want to get some work done while receiving a sense of accomplishment, try the command prompt.

This is not a tutorial on how to use the various tools. It is an introduction to some versatile shortcuts that are executed quickly from the command line. The difficulty might be in remembering the commands. The internet will quickly refresh the memory. A quick search will return pages of links giving specific commands and syntax for the job being tackled. It is not any more difficult than remembering how to use any one of the thousands of graphical applications. Documentation for the graphical application will be much longer and will require screen captures to fully explain usage. Instruction for the command line utility might be just one line of text. In addition, almost every utility will provide syntax and usage when entered in the form 'cat --help'.

The utilities to manipulate text from the command line are numerous. Most have been around as long as Unix. Much has been written about the 'cat' utility to display files to the screen. The results can be piped '|' through to another command to further manipulate the data. A list, for example, can be ordered alphabetically by running 'cat file_name|sort.' Two files might be appended into a new file through redirection, 'cat file_1 file_2 > file3 .'

Other quick utilities to manipulate text include 'uniq, fmt, cut, grep, cut, paste, join, head, tail.' More versatile tools might include 'sed, awk, perl' to really change and move text. A quick search of the web for 'Linux command text utilities' will provide more information.

The command line is not wholly about text manipulation. Directory cleanup can quickly be accomplished using utilities initiated from the command prompt. The versatile find utility can search for all mp3 or jpeg files. The results can be piped '|' to mv to relocate all similar files together in one directory.

There might be a need to search for files of a particular type and create an 'iso' image to burn to a dvd or cd. The whole process might be done on one line.

Almost every application written has a command line version in the Linux/GNU world. It is almost always quicker to accomplish a task from the command line for a skilled user. Such tasks as system and network monitoring, remote login using ssh and system backup become second nature with continued usage. It is an acquired skill that takes time to become comfortable.

The next time a job requires special procedures for completion and will be reused, try searching for a Linux command line solution. It may take a little while to work through the process the first time. The payoff will come every time the technique is utilized in the future.

Michael Miller has over 20 years experience utilizing Linux Solutions. He has recently retired from his full-time position in Health Care Information Technology, but continues to consult as well as provide hands-on experience to those needing such services. All feedback is welcome. You can learn more at: http://www.atekmo.com

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