Course

Learn the Command Line

Learn about the command line, starting with navigating and manipulating the file system, and ending with redirection and configuring the environment.

4.6 out of 5 stars
This course includes
201,932 learners enrolled
This course includes
  • Skill level

    Beginner
  • Time to complete

    Average based on combined completion rates — individual pacing in lessons, projects, and quizzes may vary
     
    4 hours
  • Projects

    4
  • Prerequisites

    None

About this course

The command line is a quick and powerful text-based interface developers use to accomplish a wide set of tasks. With it, you’ll be able to customize your development experience and discover more of your computer’s capabilities. By learning the command line, you’ll also better prepare yourself for a career as an IT specialist, software engineer or systems analyst.

Skills you'll gain

  • Access and modify files

  • Gain insight into the filesystem

  • Customize your workflow

Syllabus

4 lessons • 4 projects • 4 quizzes
  • Certificate of completion available with Plus or Pro

    Earn a certificate of completion and showcase your accomplishment on your resume or LinkedIn.

The platform

Hands-on learning

Animated GIF of an AI provided error explanation within Codecademy's learning environment
An AI-generated hint within the instructions of a Codecademy project
Animated GIF of Codecademy's Job Readiness Checker tool generating a compatibility report for a senior software engineer role
Animated GIF of building a phone screen interview using Codecademy's Interview Simulator
A fill-in-the-blank JavaScript question in a Codecademy assessment

Earn a certificate of completion

Show your network you've done the work by earning a certificate of completion for each course or path you finish.
  • Show proofReceive a certificate that demonstrates you've completed a course or path.
  • Build a collectionThe more courses and paths you complete, the more certificates you collect.
  • Share with your networkEasily add certificates of completion to your LinkedIn profile to share your accomplishments.

Learn the Command Line course ratings and reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
6,757 ratings
  1. 5 stars
  2. 4 stars
  3. 3 stars
  4. 2 stars
  5. 1 star
  • Excellent introduction to using the Terminal! Great interactive lessons and repetition to consolidate learning.
    Costa K.
    Verified Learner
  • I enjoyed the learning by doing aspect of this course and feel I have a better understanding of the BASH terminal for LINUX based systems.
    Jay S.
    Verified Learner
  • Easiest possible way to learn command line tools. Well structured and helps learners to get familiar with the concepts with practice in the terminal of codecademy. Also excellent UX.
    Deepak G.
    Verified Learner

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Frequently asked questions about the Command Line

  • The command line is a powerful text-based interface that you can use to operate your computer more efficiently and accomplish a wider range of tasks.

Join over 50 million learners and start Learn the Command Line today!

Unlock additional features with a paid plan

  • Practice Projects

    Guided projects that help you solidify the skills and concepts you're learning.
  • Assessments

    Auto-graded quizzes and immediate feedback help you reinforce your skills as you learn.
  • Certificate of Completion

    Earn a document to prove you've completed a course or path that you can share with your network.