Book Image

Linux Utilities Cookbook

By : James Kent Lewis
Book Image

Linux Utilities Cookbook

By: James Kent Lewis

Overview of this book

<p>Linux is a stable, reliable and extremely powerful operating system. It has been around for many years, however, most people still don't know what it can do and the ways it is superior to other operating systems. Many people want to get started with Linux for greater control and security, but getting started can be time consuming and complicated. <br /><br />A practical, hands-on guide that provides you with a number of clear step-by-step examples to help you solve many of the questions that crop up when using an operating system you may not be familiar with.</p> <p>Presenting solutions to the most common Linux problems in a clear and concise way, this helpful guide starts with spicing up the terminal sessions by command retrieval and line editing, and shell prompt variables. We will then get to know the different desktops (GUIs) available for Linux systems and which is the best fit for you. We will then explore the world of managing files and directories, connectivity, and what to do when it goes wrong. We will also learn a range of skills, from creating and managing user accounts to securing your system, managing and limiting processes, and letting information flow from one process to another using pipes. Later, we will master disk management, working with scripts and automating tasks quickly, and finally, understand the need for a custom kernel and tips on how to build one.</p> <p><br />Based on the author's extensive experience, there is a section on best practices that every Linux user should be familiar with.</p>
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
Linux Utilities Cookbook
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Index

Command retrieval and line editing


A standard Bash terminal is automatically set to insert mode, so you don't have to press the Insert key to insert text. Use the up and down arrow keys to recall a previous command, and then other cursor keys to edit that line as needed.

Getting ready

All you need for this example is a terminal running the Bash shell. Other terminals may not have these capabilities.

How to do it...

We will run a few commands as follows:

  1. Type in the command route and press the Enter key.

  2. Do the same for uptime, ls, date, and sync, pressing Enter after each command.

  3. Now press the up arrow key one time. You should see the following command:

    sync
    
  4. Now press the up arrow two more times. You should see date and ls.

  5. Press Enter. The ls command will run again. Pressing Enter will always run the command shown.

How it works...

The line is stored in a buffer with full editing capabilities. This buffer is sent to the OS when the Enter key is pressed.

The summary of the keys used for retrieval and editing is as follows:

  • Up arrow: It is used to scroll up the history buffer

  • Down arrow: It is used to scroll down the history buffer

  • Home: It is used to bring the cursor to the beginning of the line

  • End: It is used to bring the cursor to the end of the line

  • Delete: It is used to delete the character to the right of the cursor

  • Backspace: It is used to delete the character to the left of the cursor and shift the line

  • Left and right arrow: These are the cursor movement keys