Whether you’re new to Linux or just need a quick refresher, this cheat sheet will help you master the most essential Linux commands. Perfect for beginners, sysadmins, and developers alike!

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📁 File & Directory Commands

Command	Description
ls	List files in a directory
ls -la	Long list including hidden files
cd folder_name	Change directory
pwd	Show current directory
mkdir folder_name	Create new folder
rm file.txt	Delete file
rm -r folder	Delete folder and contents
cp file1 file2	Copy file1 to file2
mv old new	Rename or move a file or folder

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📄 File Viewing & Editing

Command	Description
cat file.txt	Display file contents
less file.txt	View large file with navigation
head -n 10 file.txt	Show first 10 lines
tail -n 10 file.txt	Show last 10 lines
nano file.txt	Edit file in terminal (simple editor)
vim file.txt	Edit file using Vim (advanced)

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🔍 Searching & Finding

Command	Description
find / -name file.txt	Search file system for file.txt
grep "text" file.txt	Search for “text” in file
grep -r "text" /path	Recursive grep in directory

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🔐 Permissions & Ownership

Command	Description
chmod 755 file	Change file permissions
chown user:group file	Change file ownership
ls -l	View permissions and ownership

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🔧 System Info

Command	Description
uname -a	System info
top	Real-time system processes
df -h	Disk space usage
free -m	RAM usage
uptime	System uptime

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🧪 Package Management

🟢 Debian/Ubuntu (APT)

bashCopyEditsudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install package_name

🔵 RHEL/CentOS (YUM/DNF)

bashCopyEditsudo yum update
sudo yum install package_name

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🐚 Networking Commands

Command	Description
ip a or ifconfig	Show IP addresses
ping google.com	Test connectivity
curl example.com	Fetch webpage
netstat -tuln	Show listening ports

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📦 Archiving & Compression

Command	Description
tar -czvf archive.tar.gz folder	Compress folder
tar -xzvf archive.tar.gz	Extract archive
zip file.zip file.txt	Zip a file
unzip file.zip	Unzip a file

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🗒️ Bonus Tips

• Use tab to auto-complete commands or filenames
• Use history to see recently used commands
• Press Ctrl + C to cancel a running command
• Use !! to run the last command again
• Use man command for help with any command

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🧠 Pro Tip: Save This as a PDF!

Press the below link and save this page as a PDF for offline access or keep it pinned for daily use.

https://prashanthbachewal.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Linux_Commands_Cheat_Sheet_2025.pdf

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💬 Conclusion

Linux might look intimidating at first, but once you get used to the command line, it becomes a superpower. Bookmark this cheat sheet and practice daily to become more efficient and confident using Linux.

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