5.1.2. The Terminal

The terminal — also called the command line, shell, or console — is a text-based interface that lets you interact directly with your computer’s operating system. While it can feel intimidating at first, the terminal is one of the most powerful tools in a developer’s toolbox.

If you're serious about software development, you'll need to get comfortable using the terminal. Many essential tools — like Git, Python, Node.js, Docker, and deployment services — are designed to be run from the terminal.

Why Use the Terminal?

• It's faster and more precise than clicking through folders and buttons.
• It works the same across different machines and servers.
• Many developer tools only offer a command-line interface (CLI).
• It's essential for scripting, automation, and remote development.

Basic Terminal Commands

Here are some of the most common terminal commands you'll use across Linux, macOS, and even Windows (via WSL or Git Bash):

Command	Description
cd	Change directory
ls or dir	List files in the current directory
mkdir	Create a new directory
touch	Create an empty file
rm	Delete a file
cp / mv	Copy or move files
clear	Clear the terminal screen
cat / less	View the contents of a file
pwd	Show current directory path

You don’t need to memorize everything. Just start by using a few commands regularly and you’ll naturally pick up more over time.

Example: Navigating and Running a Python Script

# Move into your project directory
cd ~/projects/my-first-script

# List the files
ls

# Run your Python file
python main.py

Developer Tools That Run in the Terminal

Many tools you'll use as a developer are terminal-first:

• Git – Version control
• pip / npm – Install and manage dependencies
• venv / virtualenv – Manage Python environments
• Docker – Run containers
• Node.js – Run and build JavaScript apps
• SSH – Connect to remote servers

These tools give you more control, and some only work via the terminal.

Knowledge Checklist

• I understand what the terminal is and when to use it.
• I can navigate folders and view files using terminal commands.
• I can run scripts using python, node, or other CLI tools.
• I’ve installed a CLI tool globally using a package manager like pip or npm.
• I’ve used the terminal to set up or run a development project.
• I’m comfortable using the terminal for basic development workflows.