Linux Shell Basics
Here are some basic commands to help you get started with Linux Shell commands.
Below are some shell basics:
- Accessing Shell ⤵
- Logging into the Server ⤵
- Viewing Directories ⤵
- Navigating Directories ⤵
- File Management ⤵
- Accessing MySQL ⤵
Accessing Shell
To use the following commands, you will need a terminal. Alternatively, you can use a program such as PuTTY or WinSCP.
On some hosting plans, such as Shared and Reseller, you may need to have SSH access activated first. Shell access is turned off by default on most accounts to help prevent unauthorized access. For complete details, please read:
Logging into the Server
Using PuTTY
With a program like PuTTY, logging in is simple. Just type your domain name or server IP address in the Host field, enter 22 for the port, then click Open.
Shared hosting
In terminal, type the following:
ssh USER@SERVER -p 2222
Now you will be prompted for your primary user's password. You may not see the characters as you type them or when you paste from your clipboard; that is normal.
VPS and Dedicated hosting
In terminal, type the following:
ssh USER@SERVER -p 22
Be sure to replace USER with your primary username, and replace SERVER with the server IP or your domain name.
Viewing Directories
In terminal or PuTTY, type the following to view a listing of all the files and subdirectories, complete with details:
ls -la
Alias/Shortcut
Shared and Reseller servers have a shortcut (alias) for the same detailed list.
ll
Alias/Shortcut Setup
The shortcut (alias) may not be set up on all servers, such as VPS or Dedicated. It can be set up with the command:
alias ll='ls -la'
Navigating Directories
Moving between Folders
The following command takes you inside the specified directory where you can list the files to see what's inside. Be sure to replace FOLDER with the actual directory name.
cd FOLDER
The following command allows you to navigate directly into the file structure with the direct file path. Be sure to replace FOLDER/PATH/ETC with the actual directory name.
cd FOLDER/PATH/ETC
Moving between Directories
To move up one directory, use the following:
cd ..
To move back to the previous directory, use the following:
cd -
File Management
View Files
The following command allows you to view a file without any possibility of modifying it. Be sure to replace FILE.NAME with the desired file name.
cat FILE.NAME
Creating Files
The following command creates a file if one does not exist or changes the timestamp on an existing file. Be sure to replace FILE.NAME with the desired file name.
touch FILE.NAME
Deleting Files
The following command permanently removes files; so use with caution. Be sure to replace FILE.NAME with the desired file name.
rm FILE.NAME
Editing Files
These commands allow you to edit a file, so use them with caution. Be sure to replace FILE.NAME with the desired file name.
pico FILE.NAME
or
nano FILE.NAME
Accessing MySQL
The following command takes you to MySQL where you can enter SQL syntax. Be sure to replace USER with your primary username or database user, and replace DB_NAME with the actual database name.
mysql -u USER -p DB_NAME
After using this command, you will be prompted for your primary password or the database user's password. Once logged into MySQL, the mysql> prompt will appear.
View Databases
At the mysql> prompt, type the following:
show databases;
View Tables
At the mysql> prompt, type the following:
use DB_NAMEshow tables;
Be sure to replace DB_NAME with the actual database name, hit enter, then type the rest of the command.
View Table Attributes
At the mysql> prompt, type the following command:
use DB_NAMEdescribe TABLE;
Be sure to replace DB_NAME with the actual database name, hit enter, then type the rest of the command, replacing TABLE with the actual table name.
MySQL Queries
At the mysql> prompt, type the SQL query as you normally would.
Exiting MySQL
exit
Exporting a Database
The following command must be entered in the normal prompt, not the mysql> prompt. Be sure to exit MySQL if you are in it.
mysqldump -u USER -p DB_NAME > FILE.sql
Be sure to replace USER with your primary username or database user; replace DB_NAME with the actual database name; replace FILE with the desired backup file name. A prompt for your password will appear shortly after.
Importing a Database
This must be done in the normal prompt, not the mysql> prompt. Be sure to exit MySQL if you are in it.
mysql -u USER -p DB_NAME < FILE.sql
Be sure to replace USER with your primary username or database user, replace DB_NAME with the actual database name, and replace FILE with the known backup file name. A prompt for your password will appear shortly after.