---
title: Basic Linux/Unix commands
description: Learn how to use some basic Linux/Unix commands
tags: dedibox linux unix command
dates:
  validation: 2025-09-17
---

In this document, we go through some of the most basic Linux commands. These commands can be used in the shell (the command line terminal) to get full use of your remote server. Most of these commands will be compatible with all UNIX OSes. However, depending on the version, the arguments (the parameters after the basic command) used may change.

## cd: Change directory

The `cd` allows you to change the directory you are in on your shell.

For example, you are in your personal directory (home) and want to navigate to the directory where your log files are (/var/log). Enter the following command:

```
cd /var/log/
```

You are now in the `/var/log` directory.

## ls: List the content of a directory

This command allows you to display all the contents of a directory.

You are still in the `/var/log` directory, and want to see everything it contains. Enter the `ls` command. A list of the contents displays as output:

```ls
alternatives.log        alternatives.log.7.gz  apport.log.5.gz  auth.log.4.gz  dmesg.0        dpkg.log.3.gz  fontconfig.log   kern.log.3.gz          pm-powersave.log.4.gz  syslog.2.gz          upstart
alternatives.log.1      alternatives.log.8.gz  apport.log.6.gz  boot.log       dmesg.1.gz     dpkg.log.4.gz  fsck             kern.log.4.gz          pm-suspend.log         syslog.3.gz          wtmp
alternatives.log.10.gz  alternatives.log.9.gz  apport.log.7.gz  bootstrap.log  dmesg.2.gz     dpkg.log.5.gz  gpu-manager.log  lastlog                pm-suspend.log.1       syslog.4.gz          wtmp.1
```

You can also perform a `ls` on another folder:

```
ls /etc
```

<Message type="tip">
  To get a more detailed view of the files in a directory, type `ls -l`, or use the abbreviated command `ll`. This displays additional details such as file permissions, dates, and sizes.
</Message>

## rm: Remove (delete) folders and files

To delete data, you need the command `rm`. Type `rm` followed by the name of the file you want to delete:

```
rm myFile
```

To delete folders as opposed to files, you need to add the `-r` argument:

```
rm -r myFolder
```

This command will recursively remove the folder and all its files and contents.

<Message type="tip">
  To force a deletion, use `rm -rf myFolder`. Pay attention when using this command. A mistake can delete critical data without asking you for confirmation.
</Message>

## man: User manual

In Linux, everything is documented. If you want to know about the functioning or features of a certain program, `man` will give you the answer.

The usage is pretty simple:

```
man COMMAND
```

For example, `man ls` will display all the details about the `ls` command we saw previously.

## nano: File editor

At some point, you will probably need to edit a text file using the command line. The easiest way to do this is via the `nano` editor. Type `nano` followed by the name of the file you want to edit (if you are in the same directory as the file) or the path to the file (if the file is in another directory):

```
nano /path/to/myFile.txt
```

The nano text editor displays, and you can make your edits. When you have finished, terminate nano by pressing the keys `CTRL + X`. If you made any changes, you will be prompted to save them.

Once you have finished editing your file, terminate nano by pressing the keys `CTRL + X`.

If you made any changes, you will be asked to save them.