5 Hidden Linux Commands That Will Save You Time and Effort

5 hidden Linux commands to save your time 

Linux is a powerful and versatile operating system that is widely used by developers, system administrators, and tech enthusiasts around the world. While there are many well-known Linux commands that users rely on daily, there are also some lesser-known commands that can save you time and effort. In this article, we'll explore five hidden Linux commands that you may not be aware of, but should definitely consider adding to your arsenal.

Command 1: Watch

The watch command allows you to monitor the output of a command at specified intervals. This can be extremely useful when you need to keep an eye on the progress of a long-running task or when you want to track changes in real-time.

Example Usage

To use the watch command, simply type watch followed by the command you want to monitor. For example, if you want to monitor the contents of a log file, you can use the following command:

watch tail /var/log/messages

This will display the last 10 lines of the log file, and update the output every two seconds.

Command 2: Nohup

The nohup command allows you to run a command in the background, even if you log out of the terminal. This can be extremely useful when you need to run a long-running task that will take several hours or even days to complete.

Example Usage

To use the nohup command, simply type nohup followed by the command you want to run, and then add an & at the end to run it in the background. For example, if you want to run a backup script that will take several hours to complete, you can use the following command:

nohup ./backup.sh& 

Command 3: Screen

The screen command allows you to create multiple virtual terminals within a single terminal session. This can be extremely useful when you need to run multiple commands at the same time, or when you need to detach from a terminal session and reattach later.

Example Usage

To use the screen command, simply type screen to create a new virtual terminal. You can then run commands within this terminal just like you would in a regular terminal session. To detach from the screen session, type CTRL+a followed by d. To reattach to the screen session later, use the following command:

screen -r 

Command 4: MTR

The mtr command allows you to trace the route that packets take between your computer and a remote host. This can be extremely useful when you need to troubleshoot network connectivity issues or when you need to optimize network performance.

Example Usage

To use the mtr command, simply type mtr followed by the IP address or hostname of the remote host. For example, if you want to trace the route to google.com, you can use the following command:

mtr google.com

This will display a real-time view of the network route between your computer and the remote host.

Command 5: Tcpdump

The tcpdump command allows you to capture network traffic and analyze it in real-time. This can be extremely useful when you need to troubleshoot network issues or when you need to monitor network activity.

Example Usage

To use the tcpdump command, simply type `tcpdump` followed by the appropriate options. For example, if you want to capture all traffic on your Ethernet interface, you can use the following command:

sudo tcpdump -i eth0 

This will display a real-time view of all network traffic on the eth0 interface.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Linux is a powerful operating system with a wide range of commands that can help you be more productive and efficient. In this article, we've explored five hidden Linux commands that you may not be aware of, but can definitely help you save time and effort. Whether you're monitoring the output of a command with watch, running a long-running task in the background with nohup, creating multiple virtual terminals with screen, tracing the network route with mtr, or capturing network traffic with tcpdump, these commands are sure to come in handy for any Linux user.

FAQs

➡️What is Linux?
Linux is a free and open-source operating system that is widely used by developers, system administrators, and tech enthusiasts around the world.

➡️What are some common Linux commands?
Some common Linux commands include ls (list directory contents), cd (change directory), mkdir (make directory), and rm (remove).

➡️How do I learn more about Linux?
There are many resources available online to help you learn more about Linux, including online courses, tutorials, and documentation.

➡️Can I use Linux on my computer?
Yes, you can install Linux on your computer either as the primary operating system or as a dual-boot option alongside another operating system.

➡️Is Linux difficult to use?
Linux can be more challenging to use than some other operating systems, but with practice and the right resources, anyone can become proficient in using Linux.