Linux Command Line Basics for Makers

You do not need to memorize Linux. Fifteen commands cover moving around, creating files, installing software and running programs. Practice them risk-free in the Terminal Simulator, then use them on your real Pi.

Video tutorial

▶ sentdexWatch on YouTube ↗

Video by sentdex, embedded from YouTube. The written steps below are our own and match the parts list.

Mission steps

1. Know where you are

   pwd prints your current folder. ls lists what is inside; ls -la also shows hidden files and permissions.

2. Move around

   cd folder enters a folder, cd .. goes up one level, cd ~ goes home.

3. Create and edit

   mkdir makes folders, touch creates empty files and nano file.py opens a simple editor (Ctrl+O saves, Ctrl+X exits).

4. Install software

   sudo apt install package installs programs. For Python libraries, create a virtual environment and use pip inside it.

5. Run and stop programs

   python3 file.py runs a script. Ctrl+C stops it. Add an & to run it in the background.

Code

pwd                 # where am I?
ls -la              # list everything
mkdir -p ~/projects/robot
cd ~/projects/robot
nano motor.py       # edit a file

# Python virtual environment (recommended)
python3 -m venv --system-site-packages ~/venv
source ~/venv/bin/activate
pip install requests

htop                # live CPU/RAM monitor (sudo apt install htop)

Tip: test every script on the bench before installing it in a moving machine.

Questions