Command Line

Welcome to the Command Line User Guide. This section is designed for people who are new to the terminal or only know how to paste commands, and want to build a calm, predictable mental model of how the command line works.

This guide focuses on Unix-like shells (macOS, Linux, WSL) and maps Windows as a compatibility layer, not a separate universe.

If you need a quick reference, you can check out the Command Line Cheatsheet.

Getting started: what you’re actually using

What the Command Line Is

The Shell (Not the Terminal)

Files, Directories, and Paths

Working with files and folders

Creating, Moving, and Removing Things

Viewing and Editing Files

Core shell concepts

Programs, Arguments, and Flags

Environment and Context

Redirection and Pipes

Safety, errors, and permissions

Errors Are Feedback, Not Failure

Permissions (Just Enough)

Windows: How to Handle It

Using the CLI in real projects

Using the Command Line in Real Projects