Class Meeting 1B

Class Meeting 1B#

Today we will be learning about the Terminal!

CommandPrompt CommandPrompt

Announcements#

Download the (logistics) Slides from today

Introduction to the Terminal (Command Line)#

If you would like some additional notes and a much deeper explanation of the command line (also known as the Terminal), I suggest the notes from Software Carpentry! They are excellent.

In particular, I suggest “Introducing the shell”, “Navigating Files and Directories”, and “Working with Files and Directories”

What is the Command Line?#

The command line is the text interface to the computer that accepts commands that the computer will execute. These commands include:

  • starting programs

  • navigating directories and manipulating files

  • searching, sorting, and editing text files

  • system and environment configuration

Why learn command line?#

The command line is the text interface to the computer. Understanding the command line allows you to interact with the computer in ways that you often cannot with the graphical user interface (GUI).

The command line is commonly used for scripting and automation of tasks and when accessing remote systems. It will also be useful to run programs that make use of the command line (eg. github).

Why use command line?#

The command line is part of the operating system (OS), which is software that manages your computer including all devices and programs.

  • Common operating systems include Windows, Mac OS, and Linux/Unix.

  • Some commands will be OS specific

You might be wondering why we would ever prefer command line over using the graphical user interface (GUI).

  • Certain tools may only be available to command line.

  • Sometimes command line is faster.

Command Line on Windows#

The command line on Windows dates back to the original Microsoft operating system called DOS (Disk Operating System) in 1981.

This command line interface is still part of all modern Windows operating systems and is accessible as the “Command Prompt”.

I am requiring you use GitBash instead of the default Windows Command Prompt.

Windows Terminal#

This is what the GitBash “Terminal” looks like. From here on out, whenever we say “Terminal”, we mean “GitBash on Windows”, “Terminal on macOS and Ubuntu”

CommandPrompt

  • The directory separator is a forward slash / for Macs/Ubuntu, and the opposite pointing slash on Windows \

  • However if you use GitBash, this should preserve your sanity and you should be able to use forward slash on Windows as well

  • In fact, many of the macOS/Ubuntu commands will also work in GitBash, but for completeness we will also share the other commands

Image source: Git for windows

Mac OS Command Line#

The command line for Mac OS uses the same commands as Linux. It can be opened using Finder then Utilities then Terminal.

CommandPrompt

Alternatively, we could type Cmd + spacebar, then type “Terminal” and press ENTER.

Entering Commands#

Enter a command at a prompt. The prompt may be a > or a $ or customized by the user.

Press ENTER to execute the command.

Commands are case-insensitive on both Mac/Linux and Windows. Running commands CommandPrompt

Here are some useful Terminal Commands

  • cd : change directory

  • pwd : print working directory

  • mkdir: make directory

  • mkdir -p: make directory and create §arent directories if they do not exist

  • ls: list directory contents

  • rm: Delete a file

  • rm -r: Delete a directory

  • touch: create an empty file with a specific name

Special Commands#

These are commands that will require some extra configuration to use. In this workspace, we’ve set them up for you already, but just be warned, these will not be available by default on all machines.

  • tree : print out a directory tree view of files and folders

  • code: edit the file in the VS Code editor

Learning Intentions: Terminal#

By the end of class, and after deliberate practice you should be able to:

  • Define command line and list some of its uses

  • Explain the purpose of an operating system

  • Know how to open the command line window on macOS and Windows

  • Enter commands in the Terminal and stop them

  • Define: file system, folder, file

  • Explain the difference between an absolute and relative path

  • Use command line shortcuts to save time

  • Be able to cancel a command (Ctrl+C)

Tips and Tricks with the Terminal#

  • Use the pwd command to find out where you are in the Terminal at any point!

  • Use “Up” and “Down” arrow keys to cycle through previously used commands.

    • This is a huge time saver!

  • Use Tab completion!!

    • Press tab to see available options

  • Use * to autocomplete partial matches

Conclusion#

  • The command line is the text interface to the computer that accepts commands that the computer will execute including running programs, manipulating files, and running scripts.

  • The command line allows for automation and more control than may be available in the user interface. It may also be the only way to interact with the machine if connecting via SSH.

  • The command environment allows for redirecting the standard input and output using input/output redirection and pipes.

  • You need to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE working in the Terminal: to get yourself used to it, I suggest not using the Finder/Explorer on your computer and use the Terminal for everything.

    • open will open a file in the default application on macOS.

      • open . will open the file in Finder.

      • explorer.exe . will open the folder in Explorer

Guide to your operating system (Optional)#

For macOS users, here’s a video that shows you a little about some features on your computer.

https://youtu.be/RX160bcMFuA

Guide to the operating system for Windows 10 users#

For Windows 10 users, here’s a video that shows you a little about some features on your computer.

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