Mastering Linux Commands: A Guide for Testers and Developers

Pramod Dutta
2 min readMay 21, 2024

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Welcome, everyone, to today’s masterclass! We’re diving into essential Linux commands that every manual and automation tester should know. Whether you’re moving files, finding specific data, or managing system resources, these commands are valuable. With over a decade of experience, I can confidently say that Linux proficiency is crucial in our field. So, let’s get started with some key commands you need to master.

Getting Started with Linux

First, let’s talk about the importance of Linux. It’s an open-source operating system widely used for its stability, security, and efficiency. Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux is lightweight and perfect for running large-scale tests and deployments. Most importantly, it’s free and supported by a vibrant community.

Installing Linux

If you’re new to Linux, you can install it on your machine alongside your current operating system or use a virtual machine. I recommend starting with Ubuntu, a user-friendly Linux distribution. You can download the latest version from Ubuntu’s official site. For this tutorial, I’ll be using an Ubuntu container via Docker.

Docker Setup

Docker allows you to run Linux containers without the overhead of a full virtual machine. Here’s how to start an Ubuntu container:

docker run -it ubuntu:latest

This command starts a minimal Ubuntu environment without a graphical user interface (GUI).

Essential Linux Commands

Checking the System

  • uname: Displays system information.
  • uname -a: Provides detailed system information.

Navigating Directories

  • pwd: Prints the current working directory.
  • ls: Lists files and directories.
  • ls -a: Includes hidden files in the listing.
  • cd: Changes the current directory.
  • cd ..: Moves up one directory level.

Managing Files and Directories

  • mkdir: Creates a new directory.
  • rm: Removes files or directories.
  • rm -r: Recursively removes a directory and its contents.
  • cp: Copies files or directories.
  • mv: Moves or renames files or directories.

Viewing and Editing Files

  • cat: Displays the contents of a file.
  • nano: Opens a file in the Nano text editor.

System Operations

  • shutdown: Shuts down the system.
  • reboot: Reboots the system.

Networking Commands

  • ifconfig: Displays network configuration (similar to ipconfig on Windows).
  • ping: Checks connectivity to a server.

Clearing the Terminal

  • clear: Clears the terminal screen.

Conclusion

Mastering these Linux commands will greatly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness as a tester or developer. This session covered the basics, but there’s much more to explore. If you find this useful and want to dive deeper, let me know! I can create a part two with more advanced commands and concepts.

Stay tuned for upcoming sessions where we’ll explore Docker, Selenium Grid, Jenkins, and more. For now, practice these commands and integrate them into your daily workflow. Happy testing and coding!

Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. See you in the next session!

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Mastering Linux Commands

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Pramod Dutta
Pramod Dutta

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