Introduction:
The graphical user interface (GUI) has made computing easier for many people, but the command line interface still holds immense power, especially for developers. In this article, we will explore why developers should embrace the command line and some basic commands to get started.
The Versatility and Speed of Command Line:
The command line is one of the most versatile ways of interacting with the operating system. With direct communication with the computer, there is no friction, making it a fast way to communicate with the computer and get it to do something. Additionally, it is consistent, with low overhead, making it an efficient way to execute repetitive tasks.
Basic Commands:
To get started with the command line, there are some basic commands that every developer should know.
- The cp command is used to copy content from one file to another
- The cd command is used to change directories
- The cat command reads each File parameter in sequence and writes it to standard output.
- The ls command lists the contents of the current directory.
- The mkdir command is used to create a new directory.
- The rm command is used to delete files and directories.
- The mv command is used to move or rename files and directories.
- The echo command prints text to the terminal.
These commands are simple yet powerful, and they form the building blocks of more complex tasks.
VIM: A Powerful Text Editor:
VIM is a powerful text editor that allows developers to edit files without going through lots of hurdles. It has three modes: insert, normal, and command modes. To open VIM, use the vi command. Once in VIM, you can edit and insert text inside the file. To save and quit VIM, use the :wq command, and to quit without saving, use q!. VIM is a tool every developer should master to be efficient in their work.
Understanding Shell:
The shell is the application running inside the terminal, and there are two popular shells that we know: bash and zsh. Zsh is a newer version of Bash mostly found on the latest macOS operating system, and it is a more extensible version of Bash. To check which shell your system is using, use the echo $0 or echo $shell command.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while the graphical user interface has made computing more accessible to many people, developers should embrace the power of the command line. The command line is fast, consistent, and efficient, making it a valuable tool for executing repetitive tasks. Additionally, VIM and shell knowledge can help developers increase their productivity and be more efficient in their work.
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