This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ikoh Sylva
We kicked off the class with a revision of our last session, where we began exploring cloud technologies in depth. You can catch up on the previous class here. Now, let’s dive into what our instructor covered this week!
The Linux Operating System
When you hear Developers, Sys-admins, or Ethical hackers talk about Linux, it might sound like a mysterious, code-driven world. In reality, Linux is one of the most powerful, flexible, and widely-used operating systems in the world powering everything from web servers and supercomputers to Smart phones and smart TVs. But how do you actually get started?
This guide provides a structured introduction to the Linux operating system, walking you through key concepts, tools, and hands-on commands to help you confidently navigate and work within a Linux environment.
Understanding Operating Systems
An operating system (OS) is the backbone of any computing device. It manages hardware, enables user interactions, and runs applications. Common OS examples include Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Unlike proprietary systems, Linux is open-source meaning its code is freely available and maintained by a global community. It’s known for stability, security, and performance, making it the OS of choice for developers, system administrators, and DevOps engineers.
What Is Linux?
Linux is not just a single OS, but a family of distributions (or “distros”) built around the Linux kernel. Popular distros include:
Ubuntu – user-friendly, great for beginners
Debian – stable and reliable
Fedora – cutting-edge features
Arch Linux – minimal and highly customizable (for advanced users)
Kali Linux – tailored for cybersecurity and penetration testing
Each distro has its own package manager, UI, and tools, but the core functionality remains consistent.
Setting Up Linux
To start using Linux, you can either:
Install it on your computer (dual boot alongside Windows/macOS)
Run it in a virtual machine (e.g., using VirtualBox or VMware)
Use a cloud-based shell like GitHub Codespaces or Replit
Try a live USB session without installing
Ubuntu is often recommended for beginners due to its ease of use, large community, and extensive documentation.
Your Command-Line Interface
The Linux shell is a command-line interpreter that allows users to interact directly with the OS. The most common shell is Bash (Bourne Again Shell), but others like Zsh and Fish are also popular.
The shell is where the magic happens. From creating files to automating tasks and managing systems, the command line is a powerful tool once you get past the initial learning curve.
Example:
ls -l
Lists files in long format, showing permissions, ownership, and modification dates.
Essential Linux Commands (File Operations)
File management is one of the first skills you’ll use in Linux. Some core commands include:
pwd– Print current working directoryls– List files in a directorycd– Change directorymkdir– Create a new folderrm– Remove a file or directorycp– Copy files or directoriesmv– Move or rename files
Example:
mkdir projects && cd projects
Creates a new folder called “projects” and immediately navigates into it.
Linux Text Editors (Command-Line Based)
Linux is famous for its text editors. These are critical for editing configuration files, scripts, and code.
nano – Easy-to-use, great for beginners
vim – Highly powerful, but comes with a steep learning curve
Example using nano:
nano myfile.txt
Opens or creates myfile.txt for editing.
Getting Help with Linux Commands
Linux has excellent built-in help systems. When you’re stuck or need clarity on a command, try:
-
man– Displays the manual page of a command
man ls
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--help– Shows command-specific help
ls --help
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info– Another form of documentation (less common now)
You can also rely on community platforms like Stack Overflow, Ask Ubuntu, or the official distro forums.
Why Learn Linux?
Learning Linux is not just a rite of passage for tech professionals it’s a practical, career-enhancing skill. Whether you’re deploying web apps, managing servers, or automating workflows, Linux knowledge puts you in control.
Real-world applications:
Web developers use Linux-based hosting environments
DevOps engineers rely on shell scripting and CI/CD pipelines
Cybersecurity experts build their toolkits around Kali Linux
Data scientists use Linux servers for distributed computing
Final Thoughts
Linux may seem intimidating at first, but once you start experimenting with the shell, learning commands, and editing files, you’ll discover its elegance and power. It’s not about memorizing every command it’s about understanding how things work under the hood.
If you’re serious about a career in tech or simply want more control over your digital tools learning Linux is a journey worth taking.
I’m Ikoh Sylva, a passionate cloud computing enthusiast with hands-on experience in AWS. I’m documenting my cloud journey from a beginner’s perspective, aiming to inspire others along the way.
If you find my content helpful, please like and follow my posts, and consider sharing this article with anyone starting their own cloud journey.
Let’s connect on social media. I’d love to engage and exchange ideas with you!
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ikoh Sylva