You've experienced the shiny, point-and-click surface of your Linux computer—but there's a whole world of power waiting just beneath the surface. The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition is your passport to unlocking that hidden potential, taking you from tentative first keystrokes in the terminal to confidently writing sophisticated Bash scripts that automate your daily workflow.
In today's world of graphical interfaces, the command line might seem like a relic from computing's past. But seasoned Linux users know it's actually the most efficient, powerful way to interact with your system. Once you get past the initial "shell shock," you'll discover that typing commands is often faster than clicking through menus, especially for complex tasks.
This comprehensive guide walks you through Linux's most essential command-line tools and techniques. You'll learn to create and delete files, directories, and symlinks with precision. Master system administration tasks including networking, package installation, and process management. Harness the power of standard input/output, redirection, and pipelines to chain commands together for complex workflows.
Discover how to edit files efficiently with Vi, the world's most popular text editor. Write shell scripts that automate repetitive tasks, saving you hours of work each week. Slice and dice text files with powerful tools like cut, paste, grep, patch, and sed—skills that will make you invaluable in any technical environment.
Author William Shotts doesn't just teach you what to type—he reveals the philosophy behind these tools and the rich heritage your Linux machine has inherited from Unix supercomputers. You'll understand not just how commands work, but why they work the way they do.
The book's short, easily-digestible chapters make complex concepts accessible. Whether you're a system administrator, developer, or simply a curious Linux user, this book will transform how you interact with your computer. Don't be surprised if your mouse starts to gather dust once you experience the command line's efficiency and power.
