Bash Guide: Best Commands to Make Working on Linux Easier

When working with a Linux server, you may need to start using bash. Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is one of the most popular and powerful command line interpreters in the world of Linux and Unix-like operating systems. Perhaps the main advantage is that it provides users with a wide range of commands and tools for managing the system, automating tasks and performing various operations. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best Bash commands that make working on Linux easier. Specifically, special commands will be provided, their description and how they can simplify the work.

The range of tasks is quite voluminous; below will be listed all types of tasks that you can work on and better understand the Linux shell, which can simplify your work in administration.

1.  Create, move, rename and delete files and directories
2. Compare and merge files
3. Network and remote access
4. Compress and decompress files
5. Editing and manipulating text in files
6. Scheduling automatic execution of tasks

touch – create a new file

The touch command will be the easiest way to create new files, but it can also be used to change timestamps on files and/or directories. You can create as many files as you want with one command without worrying about overwriting files with the same name.

Syntax:

locate – find a specific file or directory

The command that is most easily able to find a file or a specific directory. This will help expand the search area, especially for beginners who do not fully understand what they are looking for. This will help narrow down your search area.

Syntax:

Common options:

compgen – Shows all available commands, aliases and functions

The compgen command in Linux is used to generate a list of possible command completions, aliases, variables, and other items that can be used on the Bash command line. It is often used for autocompletion and scripting, allowing users to quickly get a list of available options and commands. We also think it is important to note that there are some details, that is, a list of all available commands.

-a: Lists all aliases.
-b: Lists all reserved words.
-k: Lists all keywords (reserved words in Bash).
-A function: Lists all functions.
-v: Lists all variables.
-f: Lists all files and directories in the current directory.

Syntax (list of all commands):

Syntax (list of all reserved words):

Network commands for simplified administration

Network commands in Linux are indispensable tools for system administrators, as they allow you to effectively manage network settings, diagnose problems, and ensure stable network operation. Here are some examples of how network commands can simplify administration:

ping

The ping command checks the reachability of a remote host. ping example.com: Sends packets to example.com and displays statistics.

curl

The curl command is used to transfer data from or to a server using various protocols. curl http://example.com: Receives data from the specified URL.

wget

The wget command downloads files from web servers. wget http://example.com/file: Downloads a file from the specified URL.

ssh

The ssh command is used to connect to other computers remotely. ssh user@host: connects to the remote host host as the user user.