Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Master the Linux command line and take full control of your Linux system. This course will guide you through basic and advanced shell commands, helping you navigate the file system, manage processes, and work with files. You'll explore the core tools that allow you to interact with your system efficiently, from locating files to managing storage, and learn how to execute essential commands that make your work easier. The journey begins with the basics, such as using terminals and shells and understanding how to get help from the command line. You'll then move into the practical application of shell commands, including navigating files, working with storage, and managing processes. As you progress, you’ll learn how to manipulate environment variables, adjust file permissions, and manage software installations on different Linux distributions. By the end of this course, you’ll be comfortable working with both basic and advanced Linux commands and tools, as well as mastering key text editors like vi/vim and nano. You’ll be equipped to use Linux efficiently, whether you’re performing simple tasks or complex system administration. Ideal for users with basic Linux knowledge or beginners looking to strengthen their command line skills. No advanced technical background needed.

Syllabus

Getting Started with the CLI

In this module, we will introduce you to the Linux command line interface (CLI), focusing on different terminal programs and shell environments such as Bash and Zsh. You will also learn how to access essential help resources from within the CLI to assist in your command-line navigation and operations.

Basic Shell Commands

In this module, we will explore the foundational commands needed to operate in the Linux command line. You will learn how to navigate the filesystem, create and manipulate files, and perform basic file management tasks such as moving, copying, and deleting files using the shell.

Advanced Shell Commands

In this module, we will dive deeper into advanced Linux shell commands. You will learn how to manage running processes, monitor disk storage, and locate files efficiently. We will also introduce additional useful commands to help streamline your workflow and improve your command-line efficiency.

Shell Environments

In this module, we will explore the concept of shell environments. You will learn about environment variables and how to make them globally available. We will also cover file permissions, how to modify them, and walk through the advantages of different file systems like EXT4, XFS, and BTRFS.

Installing Software

In this module, we will cover software installation on Linux. You will learn how to manage packages on Debian-based systems using apt and apt-get and on Redhat-based systems using yum and dnf. We will also explore how to compile software from source code in scenarios where a package isn’t available.

Editing Files

In this module, we will introduce you to text editing in the Linux command line. We will explore the powerful Vi and Vim editors, walking you through basic and advanced commands. You will also be introduced to GNU Nano, a simpler yet effective text editor, and learn its key features for text file manipulation.