25 Basic Linux Commands For Beginners [2025]

Linux is a powerful and widely used operating system, especially among developers, system administrators, and tech enthusiasts. Whether you’re just starting with Linux or looking to refresh your skills, mastering basic commands is crucial. These commands help you navigate the system, manage files, and execute essential tasks efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll explore 25 fundamental Linux commands that every beginner should know in 2025.

1. pwd – Print Working Directory

This command displays the current directory you’re working in.

$ pwd
/home/user

2. ls – List Directory Contents

Use ls to see files and directories in your current location.

$ ls
Documents  Downloads  Pictures  Videos

3. cd – Change Directory

Navigate between directories using cd.

$ cd Documents
$ cd ..  # Go back to the previous directory

4. mkdir – Create a New Directory

Make a new folder using mkdir.

$ mkdir my_folder

5. rmdir – Remove Empty Directory

Delete an empty directory with this command.

$ rmdir my_folder

6. rm – Remove Files or Directories

Delete files or folders using rm. Be careful, as this action is permanent.

$ rm file.txt
$ rm -r folder_name

7. cp – Copy Files and Directories

Duplicate files or directories using cp.

$ cp file1.txt file2.txt
$ cp -r folder1/ folder2/

8. mv – Move or Rename Files

Move or rename files using mv.

$ mv oldname.txt newname.txt
$ mv file.txt /destination/folder/

9. touch – Create an Empty File

Generate a new, empty file.

$ touch newfile.txt

10. cat – View File Contents

Display the contents of a file.

$ cat file.txt

11. head – View the First Few Lines of a File

By default, head shows the first 10 lines.

$ head file.txt

12. tail – View the Last Few Lines of a File

Similar to head, but shows the last 10 lines.

$ tail file.txt

13. echo – Display Text in the Terminal

Useful for scripting and outputting messages.

$ echo "Hello, Linux!"

14. man – Get Help for Commands

Access the manual pages for Linux commands.

$ man ls

15. grep – Search for Text in Files

Find specific words or patterns within files.

$ grep "keyword" file.txt

16. find – Search for Files and Directories

Locate files by name or other attributes.

$ find /home/user -name "file.txt"

17. chmod – Change File Permissions

Modify read, write, and execute permissions.

$ chmod 755 script.sh

18. chown – Change File Ownership

Assign new ownership to a file or folder.

$ chown user:group file.txt

19. ps – View Running Processes

See a list of active system processes.

$ ps aux

20. kill – Terminate a Process

Stop a running process using its process ID (PID).

$ kill 1234

21. df – Check Disk Space Usage

View available and used disk space.

$ df -h

22. du – Check Directory Size

See how much space a directory consumes.

$ du -sh /home/user/Documents

23. top – Monitor System Resources

Display real-time CPU and memory usage.

$ top

24. history – View Command History

See a list of previously used commands.

$ history

25. exit – Close the Terminal Session

Log out or close the terminal.

$ exit

Conclusion

These 25 Linux commands form the foundation for working efficiently in a Linux environment. By mastering them, you can navigate the system, manage files, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues with ease. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be comfortable using Linux like a pro!