Terminal - Get Started

icon: LiTerminal

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What is the Terminal?

The Terminal (sometimes called command line or shell) is a way to control your computer with text commands instead of clicking.

It lets you navigate, create files/folders, and run programs directly.

Think of it as:
“Talking to your computer in its own language, step by step.”

A typical Terminal workflow looks like..

Open the Terminal
- Windows: Press Win + R, type powershell, hit Enter
- Mac: Press Command + Space, type Terminal, hit Enter
- Linux: Press Ctrl + Alt + T
Navigate to a folder (cd = change directory).
List files (ls or dir).
Create or remove files/folders.
Check where you are (pwd).

This helps you move around and manage your project directly from text commands!

Tip

Windows vs Mac/Linux:

dir (Windows) ≈ ls (Mac/Linux)
Most other commands are very similar across systems.

Why it’s useful

The Terminal is your direct connection to the computer:

“I want to manage my files and projects quickly, without clicking through folders.”

Much faster for development tasks.
Works the same across projects (portable knowledge).
Often the only way to use tools like Git, Docker, or Node.js.
Gives more control and visibility than the file explorer alone.

Terminal - Sudo think png.png

Step by Step - Guide

Prerequisites

Windows: Open PowerShell (search in Start menu).
Mac: Use COMMAND + SPACE Search for Terminal app.
Linux: Use **Ctrl + Alt + T** to open a Terminal.

Navigating Folders

Move into a folder:
```
cd my-folder
```
Move one step back:
```
cd ..
```
Move into your home directory:
```
cd ~
```

Show where you are:

pwd     # Mac/Linux
Get-Location   # Windows PowerShell

Navigation tips

Go up one folder (parent):

cd ..

Go back to previous location:

Mac/Linux:
```
cd -
```
Windows PowerShell:
```
Pop-Location
```

Viewing Files

Creating Files & Folders

Warning

Productivity Tips in the Terminal

Working in the terminal becomes much faster once you know a few shortcuts.
These small tricks help you stay efficient while navigating and managing files.

Clear Text

Reuse Commands

Autocomplete

Cancel a Running Command

Works everywhere:

Ctrl + C

Now what?

Success

YOU DID IT!
Practice navigating, creating, and deleting files with these commands.
Once you’re comfortable, you’ll be ready to use the Terminal for Git, programming, and automation.

Unsure what to do next?
Click here and go to the next step: Developer Fundamentals

Terminal - Documentation

Documentation

Windows PowerShell: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/
Mac/Linux (Bash): https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/

Finished

Back to Overview: Developer Fundamentals