The terminal (on Mac/Linux) or command prompt (on Windows) is a powerful tool that allows you to interact with your computer using text commands instead of clicking through a graphical interface. While it might seem intimidating at first, mastering basic terminal commands can help you:Navigate through files and folders more efficientlyPerform tasks that arent possible through the regular interfaceAutomate repetitive tasksGain a deeper understanding of how your computer worksThis guide will introduce you to the essential commands and concepts to get you started, regardless of which operating system you use.Getting StartedOpening the TerminalOn Windows:Press Win + R, type cmd, and press EnterOr search for Command Prompt in the Start menuOn Mac:Press Command + Space to open Spotlight, type Terminal, and press EnterOr find Terminal in Applications Utilities TerminalOn Linux:Press Ctrl + Alt + T (on most distributions)Or search for Terminal in your applications menuUnderstanding the PromptWhen you first open the terminal, youll see a prompt that looks something like this:Windows: C:\Users\YourUsername>Mac/Linux: username@computer:~$This tells you:Your current location in the file systemWhere to type your commandsOn Mac/Linux, the ~ symbol represents your home directoryBasic Navigation CommandsViewing Your Current LocationWindows: cdMac/Linux: pwd (Print Working Directory)Example:Listing Files and DirectoriesWindows: dirMac/Linux: lsExample:Options:ls -l List with detailed information (file size, date modified, permissions)ls -a Show hidden files (files that start with a dot)ls -la Combine both optionsChanging DirectoriesAll platforms: cd DirectoryNameExamples:Creating DirectoriesAll platforms: mkdir DirectoryNameExample:Creating FilesWindows: type nul > filename.txtMac/Linux: touch filename.txtExample:Working with FilesViewing File ContentsWindows: type filename.txtMac/Linux: cat filename.txtFor larger files:Windows: more filename.txtMac/Linux: less filename.txt (use q to quit)Copying FilesWindows: copy source destinationMac/Linux: cp source destinationExample:Moving/Renaming FilesWindows: move source destinationMac/Linux: mv source destinationExamples:Deleting Files and DirectoriesWindows:Mac/Linux: Warning: Be very careful with delete commands, especially rm -r! There is no Recycle Bin or Trash when using the terminal deletions are permanent.Helpful TipsCommand HistoryPress the up arrow to cycle through previously used commandsOn Mac/Linux, type history to see a list of recent commandsTab CompletionStart typing a file or directory name, then press TabThe terminal will attempt to complete it for youIf there are multiple options, press Tab twice to see all possibilitiesGetting HelpWindows: help command or command /?Mac/Linux: man command (manual pages, press q to exit)Examples:Clearing the ScreenWindows: clsMac/Linux: clear or Ctrl+LPower User CommandsSearching for FilesWindows: dir /s filenameMac/Linux: find . -name filenameSearching Within FilesWindows: findstr text filenameMac/Linux: grep text filenameChaining CommandsAll platforms: Use && to run commands in sequenceExample:Redirecting OutputAll platforms: Use > to send output to a fileExample:Next StepsAs you become more comfortable with these basic commands, you might want to explore:Command line text editors like Nano, Vim, or EmacsWriting simple shell scripts to automate tasksPackage managers like apt (Linux), Homebrew (Mac), or Chocolatey (Windows)Environment variables and how to set themSSH to connect to remote computersCommon Mistakes and TroubleshootingCommand not found: Check spelling or ensure the command is available on your systemPermission denied: You may need administrator/root privilegesWindows: Run Command Prompt as AdministratorMac/Linux: Use sudo before commands that need elevated privilegesNo such file or directory: Double-check path and file namesOperation not permitted: Similar to permission denied, you might need special permissionsTasksWindowsMac/LinuxCurrent locationcdpwdList filesdirlsChange directorycd dircd dirCreate directorymkdir dirmkdir dirCreate filetype nul > filetouch fileCopy filecopy source destinationcp source destinationMove/renamemove source destinationmv source destinationDelete filedel filerm fileDelete directoryrmdir /s dirrm -r dirClear screenclsclearGet helphelp commandman commandConclusionIn this tutorial, we have covered everything beginners need to know about using the terminal. We explored how to open the terminal across different operating systems, navigate file systems, create and manage files and directories, and use essential commands. We also learned helpful shortcuts, power user commands, and troubleshooting tips. With these foundational skills, you can now confidently use the command line as a powerful tool in your computing journey.Remember, the terminal is a powerful tool that rewards practice and experimentation. Dont be afraid to try new commands, but always be careful with commands that modify or delete files. Also,feel free to follow us onTwitterand dont forget to join our85k+ ML SubReddit. [Register Now] miniCON Virtual Conference on OPEN SOURCE AI: FREE REGISTRATION + Certificate of Attendance + 3 Hour Short Event (April 12, 9 am- 12 pm PST) + Hands on Workshop [Sponsored]The post The Complete Beginners Guide to Terminal/Command Prompt appeared first on MarkTechPost.