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Terminal Commands

Last updated 2026-08-20 · 5 notes · 3 tags

Tags: terminal bash commands

The terminal is where you type commands. These are everyday commands you will see in setup guides and in AI tool instructions.

Where am I?

pwd

Prints the current folder path.

Note: pwd means “print working directory.” If a command fails, run pwd to confirm you are in the folder you think you are.

List files

ls

Detailed list (including hidden files that start with .):

ls -la

Note: Some people use ll as a shortcut for a long list. That only works after you define it as an alias (see Bash aliases). Until then, use ls -la.

Create a folder

mkdir folder-name

Create a nested path in one step:

mkdir -p ~/projects/your-project

Move into a folder

cd folder-name

Go up one level:

cd ..

Go to your home folder:

cd ~

Remove a folder

Empty folder:

rmdir folder-name

Folder with files (permanent — prefer trash; see Safe delete):

rm -rf folder-name

Note: rm -rf cannot be undone. Install and use trash-cli before you make this a habit.

Command history

history

Search history for a word:

history | grep git

Note: The up arrow key also steps through recent commands.

Clear the screen

clear

Common mistakes

  • Linux commands are case-sensitive: Projects and projects are different.
  • Spaces in folder names need quotes: cd "My Project".
  • If you see Permission denied, you may need sudo for system installs — not for normal files in your home folder.

Note: If an AI gives you several commands at once, run them one block at a time so you can read errors as they appear.

This project chronicles ideas, decisions and lessons I have gleaned from building with AI. The goal is to help non-technical users get familiar with these tools and techniques, so that they may be able to use them effectively. At times, I have also made the use of AI tools to augment or refine the content.

Readers are responsible for using any commands or instructions published here with due caution. The creator of this site accepts no responsibility for any system damage, data loss or other consequences, resulting from the application of this content.