DevOps Day 2 – Into the Terminal: Mastering Linux Basics
Goal
Get practical experience with the Linux file structure, essential navigation commands, and basic ways to work with files. These skills are the building blocks for anyone starting in DevOps.
What I Learned Today
Explored the Linux directory layout.
Practiced moving around in the file system using the terminal.
Learned how to create, edit, copy, move, and delete files and directories.
These fundamentals are necessary because almost all DevOps automation happens on Linux.
Key Concepts
| Concept | Description |
/ (root) | The top directory; every other directory branches from here. |
| File Types | Includes regular files, directories, symbolic links, and more. |
| Path Types | Absolute paths (/home/user) vs relative paths (../folder). |
| Hidden Files | Start with a dot (e.g., .bashrc) and are not visible by default. |
| Permissions | Who can read, write, or execute files (user, group, others). |
Commands Practiced
| Command | What It Does |
pwd | Shows your current working directory. |
ls -la | Lists all files (even hidden ones), in detail. |
cd | Changes your directory. |
touch file.txt | Makes a new, empty file. |
mkdir dir_name | Creates a new directory. |
cp file1 file2 | Copies a file. |
mv old new | Moves or renames files/directories. |
rm file | Removes a file. |
rmdir dir | Deletes an empty directory. |
cat file.txt | Shows what's inside a file. |
nano file.txt | Opens the file in the nano text editor. |
Terminal Practice
Try running these commands in your terminal:
bashpwd
cd /home
mkdir devops_day2
cd devops_day2
touch notes.txt
echo "Linux is awesome!" > notes.txt
cat notes.txt
ls -la
Realization
Knowing how to use Linux isn’t just useful for DevOps—it’s essential. Even basic navigation means you can set up servers, work with containers like Docker, and automate tasks with ease.
Tips
Press
Tabto autocomplete file and folder names.Press
Ctrl + Lto clear the terminal screen.Be cautious with
rm -rf; double-check the path before deleting!
Proof of Practice
Mini Assignment
Try these steps to reinforce your learning:
Create a directory called
devops-practice.Inside it, create a file named
commands.txt.Open
commands.txtwithnanoand write 5 Linux commands along with brief explanations.Copy the file to
commands_backup.txt.Make a new subdirectory named
backupand movecommands_backup.txtinto it.Delete the original
commands.txtfile.
What’s Next
Tomorrow’s focus: Linux permissions, ownership, and the powerful chmod and chown commands!