As a beginner exploring the vast world of Linux, one can easily feel overwhelmed by the multitude of unfamiliar commands and utilities. Memorizing them all is an impossible task. This is where Linux cheat sheets come in handy!
Linux cheat sheets allow quick reference to the most common commands and syntax rules. They act as an on-demand guide for performing essential tasks in a Linux environment without having to commit commands to memory. I‘ve compiled 10 of the best Linux cheat sheets to bookmark for hassle-free usage:
1. Linux Training Academy
The Linux Training Academy cheat sheet is a handy two-pager available in both print and digital PDF formats. I especially like how commands are organized by category such as system info, file management, networking, processes, etc. This allows focused learning.
Some useful commands it covers:
df -h: Show disk usage statisticsdu -sh: Estimate file space usageps -ef: Display active processeskill <pid>: Terminate a processpwd: Show current working directory
The well-formatted structure and examples make this a great quick reference guide for Linux.
2. Cheatography by Dave Child
Dave Child‘s Cheatography Linux command line cheat sheet packs a ton of valuable information in a single page. The popup links allow drilling down to specifics quickly.
Some handy bits it includes:
- Bash shortcuts like CTRL+C to terminate process
- I/O redirects for piping input/output
- File permission numbers explained
grepand regular expressions- Navigating previous commands with up arrow
Downloadable for offline access and beginner-friendly descriptions make this a handy addition to your Linux command line arsenal.
3. Loggly
Loggly‘s Linux cheat sheet is yet another excellent singular page reference covering the basics.
Some notable inclusions:
- Archive commands like
tar,gzip, andbzip2 - Transferring files with
scpandsftp - Managing directories with
mkdirandrmdir - Handy editor shortcuts for
viandnano
With easy PDF download and printing, this cheat sheet is handy for quick glances when working in Linux.
4. FOSS Linux
The FOSS Linux Linux command cheat sheet takes a more in-depth categorized approach. The well-organized layout allows quickly honing in on the exact commands you need.
Some particularly useful tidbits:
- Adding/deleting users and groups
- Advanced file permissions like setuid and sticky bit
- Job management with
fg,bg, andjobs - Managing processes with
niceandrenice - Environment variables at a glance
With overviews of concepts alongside the commands, new Linux users can build understanding while referencing syntax.
5. PhoenixNAP
PhoenixNAP‘s Linux commands cheat sheet lays out the most widely-used commands in a clean one-page format. It‘s an excellent quick reference to bookmark.
Helpful inclusions:
- Directory navigation with
cd,ls,pwd - Creating, viewing, and editing files with
nano - Searching within files using
grep - Compressing/uncompressing files with
gzip/gunzip - Getting system hardware info with
lshw - Transferring files using
scp
With examples provided, recalling syntax for common tasks becomes trivial.
6. Station X
Nathan House‘s Linux command line cheat sheet from Station X is a well-organized guide split into two pages. The intro provides a nice table of contents to jump between sections quickly.
Notable commands it surfaces:
- Getting CPU/RAM usage stats using
top - Monitoring disk space with
df - Interacting with processes using
ps,kill,bg, andfg - Managing file permissions with
chmod - Comparing file contents using
diff - Downloading packages through
yum
With thorough explanations supplemented by visual depictions, this is one of the most beginner-friendly Linux command references out there.
7. FOSSwire
The Linux/Unix command reference guide from FOSSwire manages to pack loads of useful information in a single printed page. The combination of color coding and concise syntax makes each section extremely scannable.
Some useful tidbits:
- System info breakdown covering memory, CPU, disk, and more
- Common options for
tararchives like -c, -x, -z, and -v - Recursively grepping files with
grep -r - Monitoring active users via
wandwho - SSH with key-based authentication
This is one of the handiest Linux cheat sheets to keep printed out right next to your desktop or laptop!
8. Linoxide
The Linoxide Linux cheat sheet PDF structures commands logically into relevant sections like Networking, Compression, and Installation for easy discovery. Descriptions alongside each guide usage.
Some good snippets:
- Adding/removing repositories with
add-apt-repository/remove-apt-repository - Recursive copying with
cp -r - Creating symbolic links using
ln -s - Backgrounding tasks using
bg
With examples supplementing the command references, recalling syntax is simplified. This one is handy to save for offline quick access.
9. Dummies.com
Long-time Linux author Richard Blum‘s Linux for Dummies cheat sheet offers new users the basics to get oriented. By focusing on only the most common commands, beginners can avoid confusion from information overload.
Some starter snippets:
- Viewing, editing, deleting files with
cat,nano,rm - Changing permissions using
chmod - Traversing the filesystem with
cdandpwd - Getting help via
manandinfopages - Searching for files/text using
findandgrep
This cheat sheet is perfect for getting an absolute novice comfortable navigating Linux environments confidently.
10. LinuxOpsys
The LinuxOpsys Linux cheat sheet is yet another handy downloadable PDF reference guide. It focuses specifically on the most universal commands any Linux user would need with clear descriptions of usage.
Some fundamental inclusions:
- Directory listing with
lsand details vials -l - Printing files using
catandlessfor pagination - Using wildcards like
*and?for pattern matching - Getting disk space info through
dfanddu - Monitoring memory usage using
free - Finding files by name/text via
findandgrep
This cheat sheet pairs nicely with Dummies.com‘s as a secondary reference once the absolute basics are covered.
Conclusion
Linux cheat sheets enable easy access to the myriad commands and utilities available in Linux without rote memorization. I highly recommend new Linux users bookmark a couple detailed cheat sheets like FOSS Linux supplemented by quick references like Loggly or FOSSwire for easy command lookups while working.
Referring to these Linux cheat sheets will simplify the learning curve tremendously. Soon muscle memory will kick in for the commands used most often! Let me know if you have any favorite Linux command references that I missed. Happy *nixing!
