Linux commands cheat sheet
A reference for common Linux commands covering files, text processing, processes and networking, each with an example you can adapt directly.
A searchable cheat sheet of common Linux commands with what they do and ready-to-use examples.
Steps and notes
What is Linux commands cheat sheet?
Most Linux knowledge is not syntax — it is remembering which of the hundred tools applies and which flags it takes. This reference groups the everyday commands by scenario (files and directories, text processing, processes, networking, permissions) and shows each one with a working example you can adapt, so looking up "how do I find what is listening on a port" lands you on ss with the right flags instead of a man page. The search box filters the list live and matches the command name, the description and the example command, which makes it work both ways: type grep when you know the tool, type port or disk when you only know the goal. Every entry is a starting point to adapt to your own paths and arguments — the reference teaches the pattern, not just the incantation.
- Type a command (e.g. grep) or a scenario keyword (e.g. port, disk) in the search box
- The list filters live
- Adapt each example to your own paths and arguments
- Search matches the command name, the description and the example command
Frequently asked questions
- Does the search match anything besides command names?
- Yes. It matches the command name, the scenario description and the example command text. That means searching port finds ss -tlnp and lsof -i, and searching disk finds df and du, even when the command name itself contains neither word.
- Are the examples safe to run as-is?
- They are written to be read first, run second. Most are harmless, but some (like chmod or kill examples) contain placeholder arguments you should replace with your own values. The list adapts each example to your paths and arguments rather than pasting blindly.
- Why is a command I know missing from the list?
- The list covers the commands that come up in day-to-day server and shell work, curated rather than exhaustive. If a whole area feels missing, the scenario categories above the list are the intended navigation; for niche flags, the man page of the closest related command usually cross-references it.
Category: Development
DevOps & configs workflow
Chmod Calculator — Unix File Permissions (755, 644, 777) → Crontab Generator — Cron Expressions with Plain-English Preview → Docker Run to Compose Converter — Generate a compose Service from a Command → Linux commands cheat sheet → Git cheatsheet