UNIX Commands Quick Reference

This page lists some frequently used UNIX commands. The symbols DName and FName stand for arbitrary directory and file names, respectively.

Desired Action UNIX Command

Get information about a UNIX command man Command

Create a directory mkdir DName

Change (to a different) directory cd DName

List contents of current directory ls

List contents of a different directory ls DName

List contents of a directory in detail ls -l DName

Remove an empty directory rmdir DName

Remove a file rm FName

Rename a file or directory mv OldName NewName

Move a file into a different directory mv Fname Dname

Copy a file cp OriginalFname CopyFname

Copy a directory and all its subdirectories cp -r OriginalDName CopyDName

Clear the screen/window clear

Record what appears on the screen/window script ScriptName

End recording of script Ctrl-d

Edit a file emacs FName

Compile a single C++ program make SourceName

Compile and link several C++ programs g++ FName1.cpp ... FNamen.cpp -o ExecFName

Change your password passwd

Exit the system logout

Desired Action	UNIX Command
Get information about a UNIX command	man Command
Create a directory	mkdir DName
Change (to a different) directory	cd DName
List contents of current directory	ls
List contents of a different directory	ls DName
List contents of a directory in detail	ls -l DName
Remove an empty directory	rmdir DName
Remove a file	rm FName
Rename a file or directory	mv OldName NewName
Move a file into a different directory	mv Fname Dname
Copy a file	cp OriginalFname CopyFname
Copy a directory and all its subdirectories	cp -r OriginalDName CopyDName

Clear the screen/window	clear
Record what appears on the screen/window	script ScriptName
End recording of script	Ctrl-d

Edit a file	emacs FName
Compile a single C++ program	make SourceName
Compile and link several C++ programs	g++ FName1.cpp ... FNamen.cpp -o ExecFName

Change your password	passwd
Exit the system	logout