Basic Linux Commands Every Web Developer Should Know

Whether you're managing files, troubleshooting issues, or deploying applications, knowing your way around the Linux command line is an essential skill for any web developer. Here's a quick reference for the most useful commands on your dotCanada account.

Navigating the File System

• pwd - Print your current directory
• ls -la - List files and folders (including hidden files)
• cd folder-name - Change into a directory
• cd .. - Go up one directory level

Managing Files and Folders

• mkdir my-folder - Create a new directory
• rm filename - Delete a file
• rm -rf folder-name - Delete a folder and all its contents
• cp file.txt backup.txt - Copy a file
• mv file.txt new-name.txt - Move or rename a file
• chmod 755 script.sh - Set file permissions

Viewing File Contents

• cat filename - Output a file's contents
• tail -f logfile - Follow a log file in real time
• nano filename - Edit a file in the terminal

Useful Utilities

• grep 'error' logfile - Search a file for a word or pattern
• df -h - Check disk usage
• du -sh folder/ - Check a folder's size
• ps aux - List running processes
• curl https://example.com - Fetch a URL from the command line

These commands will serve you well whether you're working via SSH or the cPanel Terminal. If you get stuck, contact our support team and we'll point you in the right direction.