RHEL 10 Basic Commands Every Beginner Should Know

Table of Contents

• Why Learn RHEL 10 Commands?
• Getting Started with the Terminal
• Essential RHEL 10 Commands
• Tips for Using Commands Effectively
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Learn RHEL 10 Commands?

RHEL 10 is a robust operating system designed for stability and performance, widely used in enterprise environments and personal projects. While graphical interfaces are available, the command line offers unmatched control and efficiency. Learning basic commands helps you:

• Navigate the file system quickly.
• Manage files, users, and permissions with precision.
• Troubleshoot issues faster than with a GUI.
• Automate tasks to save time.

By mastering these commands, you’ll build a strong foundation for working with RHEL 10, whether you’re a system administrator or a curious beginner.

Getting Started with the Terminal

The terminal is where you’ll type your commands. To open it in RHEL 10:

• If using a graphical interface, search for “Terminal” in the applications menu.
• If on a server, you’re likely already in a text-based environment.

Once open, you’ll see a prompt like [user@localhost ~]$. The dollar sign ($) indicates you’re a regular user, while a hash (#) means you’re the root user (administrator). Let’s explore the commands that will make your RHEL 10 journey easier.

Essential RHEL 10 Commands

Below is a table of 20 essential RHEL 10 commands, each with a description and example. These commands are beginner-friendly and cover file management, system information, user administration, and more.

Understanding Key Commands

Let’s break down a few of these commands to give you a clearer picture:

• pwd (Print Working Directory): This command tells you where you are in the file system. For example, running pwd might output /home/user, meaning you’re in your home directory.
• ls (List): Use ls -l to see a detailed list of files, including permissions, size, and modification date. Add -a to show hidden files.
• cd (Change Directory): Navigate to a folder with cd foldername. Use cd .. to move up one directory or cd ~ to return to your home directory.
• sudo (Superuser Do): This lets you run commands as the root user. Be cautious, as root commands can modify critical system files.
• man (Manual): Stuck on a command? Type man commandname to view its documentation. For example, man ls explains all options for ls.

These commands are your building blocks. Practice them in a safe environment, like a virtual machine, to get comfortable.

Tips for Using Commands Effectively

To make the most of RHEL 10’s command line, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Tab Completion: Start typing a command or file name and press Tab to auto-complete. It saves time and reduces errors.
• Learn Command Options: Many commands have options (e.g., ls -l). Use man to explore them.
• Combine Commands: Use pipes (|) to combine commands. For example, ls | grep txt lists only files containing “txt”.
• Be Cautious with rm: The rm -rf command can delete everything in a directory. Double-check before running it.
• Keep a Cheat Sheet: Write down or bookmark these commands until they become second nature.
• Practice Regularly: The more you use the terminal, the more confident you’ll become.

Conclusion

Learning the basic commands of RHEL 10 is like picking up the keys to a powerful machine. With commands like ls, cd, sudo, and man, you can navigate, manage, and troubleshoot your system with ease. This guide has introduced you to 20 essential commands, complete with examples to help you get started. By practicing these commands and following the tips provided, you’ll build confidence and efficiency in the RHEL 10 terminal. Embrace the command line, and you’ll unlock a world of possibilities for managing your Linux system. Happy learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terminal in RHEL 10?

The terminal is a text-based interface where you type commands to interact with the RHEL 10 operating system.

How do I open the terminal in RHEL 10?

In a graphical environment, search for “Terminal” in the applications menu. On a server, you’re already in a terminal.

What does sudo do?

sudo allows you to run commands as the root user, giving you administrative privileges.

Can I undo a command like rm?

No, rm permanently deletes files. Always double-check before using it.

What is the difference between cp and mv?

cp copies files, leaving the original intact, while mv moves or renames files, removing the original.

How do I see hidden files in RHEL 10?

Use ls -a to list all files, including hidden ones (those starting with a dot).

What does man command do?

man displays the manual page for a command, explaining its usage and options.

How can I check disk space usage?

Use df -h to see disk space usage in a human-readable format.

What is the purpose of touch?

touch creates an empty file or updates the timestamp of an existing file.

How do I create a new user in RHEL 10?

Use sudo useradd username to create a user, then set a password with sudo passwd username.

What is a swap partition?

A swap partition is used as virtual memory when RAM is full. Check it with free -m.

How do I stop a process in top?

In top, press k, enter the process ID, and confirm to kill it.

What does chmod 755 mean?

It sets permissions so the owner can read, write, and execute, while others can read and execute.

Can I run multiple commands at once?

Yes, use && to run commands sequentially or | to pipe output from one command to another.

How do I update RHEL 10?

Run sudo dnf update to install the latest system updates.

What is dnf in RHEL 10?

dnf is the package manager used to install, update, and remove software.

How do I find my current directory?

Use pwd to display the full path of your current directory.

Can I use commands in a script?

Yes, write commands in a text file with a .sh extension and run it with bash script.sh.

What happens if I type a wrong command?

The terminal will display an error like “command not found.” Check your spelling or use man for help.

Where can I learn more RHEL 10 commands?

Check the Red Hat documentation, community forums, or online tutorials for advanced commands.