The document provides an introduction to using the command line interface. It begins with explaining why the command line is useful to have more control over your computer. It then describes what the command line is and how to access it on Mac OSX through the Terminal application. The document proceeds to explain basic commands like ls to list files, cd to change directories, pwd to print the working directory. It has exercises for users to practice navigating and manipulating files using these basic commands. The document also covers more advanced commands like touch to create files, nano or edit to open files, and rm to delete files. Finally, it suggests tutorials for users to further explore using the command line.

1. Basic Introduction to
the Command Line
Tech 101 Workshop
CDMD Fall 2013

2. Why Should I Care?
Give your computer(*) direct commands
Be in control
Children use pictures to control their
computers, grown ups learn to read and
use words. (this is a joke.)
(*) Also remote computers, VMs, & ser vers.

3. What is the Command
Line?
A place to enter direct commands.
Shell & Terminal Emulators
In OSX it is accessed through Terminal

4. In The Beginning Was
The Command Line

5. Console
Command Line
Prompt

6. Let’s Do It!
Open a terminal on your
machines

7. Navigating the Terminal
Look Ma! No mouse.
!
Use left and right
arrows to move the
cursor
Use Up and Down
arrows to retrieve
previous commands

8. Basic Commands
ls = list. (dir in DOS)
pwd = print working directory
cd = change directory
man = manual
clear = clear screen
control-c = exits command if frozen

9. What You’ll See: ls
ls shows files and folders
files have an extension (.exe, .txt. .html)
Folders do not.

10. What You’ll See: cd
cd changes the directory
cd .. goes up one level
cd $directoryname goes to that
directory

11. What You’ll See: pwd
pwd: shows you where you are

12. Exercise:
use ls, cd, and pwd to explore your machine.

13. More Commands
touch = touch $newfilename (creates file w/o
editing)
nano = nano $filename (opens file in nano
editor)
edit = edit $filename (edits file in default
editor)
rm = rm $filename (deletes file. CAREFUL)

14. Exercise: Make a File
The Touch Command

15. Try This:
use touch to create a file
edit the file with nano
verify the changes using edit
delete the file using rm

16. /tech101basic
Let’s Take a Break

17. Part Two: Tutorial
Go through a self paced tutorial to try new stuff.

18. Pick a Tutorial
Tutorial on Manipulating your Mac’s Appearance
http:/
/bit.ly/tech101osx
http:/
/www.wikihow.com/Customize-Your-Mac-Using-theTerminal
More Advanced Linux Tutorial
http:/
/bit.ly/tech101adv
http:/
/linuxcommand.org/learning_the_shell.php
Very Basic Tutorial Repeating First Lessons
http:/
/bit.ly/tech101basic
http:/
/blog.teamtreehouse.com/introduction-to-the-mac-os-xcommand-line

19. /tech101basic
Let’s Take a Break

20. Part 3: Hardware
Hacking
Use the command line to own your machines.