Software & Apps Linux 12 Essential Linux Commands for Newbies Basic commands for interacting with files by Juergen Haas Writer Former Lifewire writer Juergen Haas is a software developer, data scientist, and a fan of the Linux operating system. our editorial process Juergen Haas Updated on March 23, 2020 Tweet Share Email Linux Switching from Windows Command codes aren't essential to use a computer, but if you want to improve your efficiency when using Linux, a few common codes will make your life easier and productive. Here are the essential Linux commands that will help you navigate your Linux system. Display a List of Files With ls The ls command displays the names of the files and directories in the current working directory. A number of options are available that allow you to specify what details about the files should be shown. Change Directory With cd If you want to change the current working directory, use the cd command. For example, cd correspondence sets the current working directory to correspondence, if it exists. Copy a File With cp The cp command allows you to copy a file and give the copy a new name. It is always a good idea to make a copy of a file before you change it in case you want to go back to the previous version. Change a File Name With mv The mv command allows you to change the name of a file or move it to another directory or both. Files and whole directories can easily be moved even if they have a lot of content since it requires only changing how things are linked to each other. Create a New Directory With mkdir The mkdir command creates a new directory. Directories can be nested and are useful to organize large sets of files. Other Essential Linux Commands Here are more helpful; Linux commands: Delete a directory with rmdir.List the content of a file with more.Locate files you are looking for with find.Learn more about a command with man.Change a process' priority with nice.Edit the contents of a file with emacs.Change your password with passwd. After you type passwd at the command prompt, you are asked you for your current password and the new one.End your session with exit. The exit command gets you out of the current shell or session. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit