Linux/Unix Must Have Basic Command Reference

The most used basic Linux/Unix Commands - Keep it Handy!

Command	Description
ls	List files and folders in the current directory (excluding hidden files/directories)
ls -l	List files and folders in the current directory with details (excluding hidden files/directories)
ls -a	List files and folders in the current directory (including hidden files/directories)
ls -dl	List with directory permission details.
ls -lR	Recursively list directories and sub directories.
pwd	Displays complete path of the Present Working Directory
cp	Copy a file. Usage: “cp <filename> <destination>”.
mv	Move a file. Usage: “mv <filename> <destination>”.
rm	Remove/Delete a file. Usage: “rm <filename>”.
mkdir	Make Directory. Usage: mkdir <directory-name>
cp -r	Copy a directory. Usage: “cp -r <directory-name> <destination>”.
rmdir	Remove/Delete directory. Usage: “rm <directory>”.
rmdir -i	Remove/Delete directory. (Interactive mode)
rmdir -r	Remove/Delete directory without prompting.
file	Displays file/directory type. Usage: file <filename>.
touch	Create a new file. Update modified date/time of an existing file. Usage: touch <filename>.
cat	Displays the content of a file. Usage: cat <filename>.
who	Displays the list of users who are currently logged on.
uname	Displays the OS version details.
init 5	Shutdown the system.