Useful Linux Commands for CS Courses#

If you are new to the terminal, start with Terminal Basics before using this reference.

The current course syllabus, assignment instructions, and applicable CSN or college policies take precedence over anything on this website.

Use these commands to find where you are and move around the Bellagio server.

Command	Use
`pwd`	Print the directory you are currently in.
`ls`	List files in the current directory.
`ls -l`	List files with details.
`ls -a`	Include hidden files.
`cd directory`	Move into `directory`.
`cd ..`	Move up one directory.
`cd`	Return to your home directory.

Files and directories#

Command	Use
`mkdir cs135`	Create a directory named `cs135`.
`mkdir -p cs202/project`	Create nested directories if they do not already exist.
`cp old.cpp new.cpp`	Copy a file.
`mv old.cpp new.cpp`	Rename or move a file.
`rm old.cpp`	Remove a file. Be careful: this does not move it to a trash folder.
`rmdir empty_directory`	Remove an empty directory.

Command	Use
`cat main.cpp`	Print a short file to the terminal.
`less main.cpp`	View a longer file one screen at a time. Press `q` to quit.
`head main.cpp`	Show the first lines of a file.
`tail main.cpp`	Show the last lines of a file.

Use the compiler settings required by your course documents.

g++ $CXXFLAGS main.cpp -o main
./main

If your program uses multiple source files, list them in the compile command:

g++ $CXXFLAGS main.cpp helper.cpp -o main
./main

If the compiler prints errors, start with the first error message. Later messages may be caused by the first problem.

Compile with debugging information:

g++ -ggdb $CXXFLAGS main.cpp -o main

Start GDB with the executable:

gdb ./main

For basic GDB commands, see Debugging with GDB.

Static analysis tools inspect source code without running the program. They are extra checks, not replacements for compiling and testing.

Run cppcheck on one source file:

cppcheck --enable=all --std=c++14 --suppress=missingIncludeSystem main.cpp

Run cpplint on one source file:

cpplint main.cpp

For more explanation and multi-file examples, see Lint and Static Analysis.

Command	Use
`passwd`	Change your password.
`quota`	Check disk usage and storage quota.
`history`	Show recent commands.
`clear`	Clear the terminal screen.
`reset`	Reset a terminal that is displaying incorrectly.

Many commands have manual pages:

man ls
man g++

Press q to leave a manual page.

Some shell commands use built-in help:

help cd