Essential Unix Commands for Beginners

Git BASH

The operating system communicates with applications.
The kernel is the core of the operating system, which connects with the hardware, e.g., Disk, CPU, Memory.
GUI: Graphical User Interface.
CLI: Command Line Interface.
Bash ( Bourne Again Shell) → CLI for Unix/Linux/macOS.
Command Prompt (cmd.exe) → CLI for Windows.
PowerShell → Advanced CLI for Windows (more powerful than Command Prompt).

Feature	GUI (Graphical User Interface)	CLI (Command Line Interface)
Interface	Uses windows, icons, menus, and buttons	Uses text-based commands
User Interaction	Operated with mouse and keyboard	Operated with keyboard only
Ease of Use	Easy for beginners, visual and intuitive	Requires learning commands, not beginner-friendly
Speed	Slower (depends on system resources)	Faster (lightweight, direct execution)
Example	Windows, macOS, Ubuntu (Desktop)	Command Prompt, Terminal, Bash

ls ~: List root directory.
cd [directory name]: Change directory/folder.
cd ~: Go to root directory.
cd ..: Go to the previous directory.
mkdir [directory name]: Make a new directory/folder.
touch [filename]: Create a new file.
code [filename]: Open the file in VS Code.
start [filename]: Open the file in the application associated with the program.
pwd: Show the current folder location/path.
rm -r [directory name]: Remove the directory/folder.
rm [filename]: Remove the file.
rm *: Remove all files from the current directory.
clear: Clear the terminal.