30 Second Tech – How to Use Basic Command Line Commands Windows/Mac/Linux

Want to become a power user? Learning the basics of the command line can help you control your system efficiently!

Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or Linux, understanding command line commands is essential for quick navigation and system management. Here’s a quick guide on how to use some basic commands in under 30 seconds:

Note: The brackets [ ] around folder and file names are just for clarity. When typing commands, replace them with the actual folder or file names without using the brackets.

For Windows Users:

1. Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
2. Change Directory: Use cd [foldername] to navigate between folders.
3. List Files: Type dir to view all files in the current directory.
4. Create a Folder: Use mkdir [foldername] to create a new folder.
5. Delete a File: Use del [filename] or rmdir [foldername] to delete files or folders.
6. Quick Tip: Use cls to clear the screen.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Terminal: Press Cmd + Space and type Terminal.
2. Navigate Directories: Use cd [foldername] to move between folders.
3. List Files: Use ls to display files and folders.
4. Create a Folder: Use mkdir [foldername] to make a new folder.
5. Delete a File: Use rm [filename] or rm -r [foldername] to remove files or directories.
6. Quick Tip: Type clear to refresh your terminal screen.

For Linux Users:

1. Open Terminal: Usually found in your application menu or press Ctrl + Alt + T.
2. Navigate Using cd: Use cd [foldername] to change directories.
3. List Files: Use ls for a simple list or ls -l for detailed information.
4. Create a Directory: Use mkdir [foldername] to create a new folder.
5. Remove a File: Use rm [filename] or rm -r [foldername] for directories.
6. Quick Tip: clear clears the terminal screen for a fresh start.

If you have any further thoughts or questions, please leave them below in the comment section.