Text-based control.
WHAT IT IS
A way of instructing the computer by typing commands.
WHY IT STILL EXISTS
It is precise, repeatable, scriptable, and frequently the only way to do certain things.
WHERE YOU WILL MEET IT
Server access Hosting terminals Development tools Instructions in technical documentation
WHAT TO LEARN FIRST
Where you are How to list what is there How to move between locations How to view a file
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Commands that delete Commands run with elevated privileges Commands copied from the internet
WHY THAT LAST ONE
A command you do not understand may do something you did not intend, irreversibly.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE RUNNING ANYTHING UNFAMILIAR
Understand each part of it.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Run a command someone sent you, on a system that matters, without understanding it.
WHAT THERE IS NO EQUIVALENT OF
An undo.
WHAT TO PRACTISE ON
A test machine or a copy.
WHAT TO KEEP
Notes of commands you use, with what each does.
