Shell Commands CheatSheet - Andy's Blog

CheatSheet

• Display detailed information about the specified directory or file

  ls -ld ebook-convert

  ls: The command used to list directory contents.

  -l: This option stands for “long format,” which provides detailed information, including permissions, owner, group, size, and modification date.

  -d: This option tells ls to display information about the directory itself rather than its contents. Without this option, ls -l would list the contents of the directory instead of the directory itself.

  Permissions: Indicates who can read, write, or execute the file or directory.

  Owner: The user who owns the file or directory.

  Group: The group associated with the file or directory.

  Size: The size of the file or directory in bytes.

  Modification Date: The date and time when the file or directory was last modified.

  Name: The name of the directory or file.

  Output

  lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 26 Jul  1 13:23 ebook-convert -> /app/calibre/ebook-convert

• Navigate to the parent directory of the current working directory

  cd ..

• Delete files or directories

  The rm command permanently deletes the file without sending it to a trash/recycle bin. Use with caution!

  # Delete single file
  rm example.txt
  
  # Delete with prompted for confirmation to delete
  rm -i example.txt
  
  # Delete a directory
  rm -r directory_name
  
  # Forcing delete files and directories without prompting for confirmation, even if the files are write-protected.
  # USE WITH CAUTION!!!
  rm -rf /path/to/directory

  -r: Stands for “recursive.” This option allows you to delete directories and their contents, including all subdirectories and files within them.

  -f: Stands for “force.” This option forces the removal of files and directories without prompting for confirmation, even if the files are write-protected.

  -i: Prompted for confirmation before deletion.

• Display the contents of the file

  cat example.txt

• Opens the file in the Vi text editor

  vi example.txt

  i: Insert mode and start editing the text.

  Esc: Return to command mode for navigation and command entry.

  :wq: Save and exit after editing.

  :wq!: Force saving and exit after editing even if there are warnings or the file is read-only.

  :q!: Exit without saving.

  !: Ensure the commands are executed forcefully.

Reference

• ChatGPT