Reference Guide: Common Commands for Terminal
Tags: codenewbie, beginners, webdev, productivity
Published: 2018-12-04 21:14:19

---
cover_image: https://i2.wp.com/faithbasedadvancement.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/success_tools.jpg?resize=720%2C478
title: Reference Guide: Common Commands for Terminal
published: true
description: A reference guide series for new web developers.
tags: #codenewbie #beginners #webdev #productivity
---
Have you ever walked out of a room and then couldn't remember what you started to do? Have you ever convinced yourself a trip to the grocery store can be accomplished without a list only to arrive home *without* the one single item that was most needed? It happens to me, more than I'd like to admit, and I'm fairly certain I'm not alone.  Throughout my career, I've developed a strategy to set myself up for success when moments of brain overload strike.  

There are certain job responsibilities or steps of a process that are difficult to remember when performed on an infrequent basis or when learning them for the first time.  This is where a quick reference list or guide can be a lifesaver.  As a newbie to web development there are numerous steps to remember and until they've been committed to memory reference materials are my go-to. In case someone else is in need too I wanted to share the steps I've created for a few common processes needed as a new web developer.

**Terminal:** 
The `Terminal` program is built-in on Mac computers and uses text commands to operate the computer without using the user interface.  Terminal commands for GitHub will all begin with the prefix `git` followed by the command. 

![Terminal](https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/1ff7qccoea2i5slgv7y2.jpeg)

**Common Commands:** 
- `~`  	        Indicates the home directory
- `pwd`	        Print working directory (pwd) displays the path name of the current directory
- `cd`          Change Directory
- `mkdir`	Make a new directory / file folder
- `touch`	Make a new file
- `..`	        Go up one level / directory
- `cd ~`	Return to home directory
- `clear`	Clears information on the display screen to provide a blank slate
- `ls`	        List provides a list of all files with a directory
- `ls -l`	Displays a long list vertically with file permissions, date modified and file name
- `ls -la`      Displays all files

**Auto Complete File Names:**
Enter the first couple of lines of the file name followed by the `tab` key and it will auto complete the rest of the file path name. 

Next up: [Part 2](https://dev.to/kymiddleton/reference-guide-create-a-github-repository-30f8) Create a GitHub Repository

For the completed Reference Guide Series: 
- [Part One:](https://dev.to/kymiddleton/reference-guide-common-commands-for-terminal-6no) Reference Guide: Common Commands for Terminal. 
- [Part two:](https://dev.to/kymiddleton/reference-guide-create-a-github-repository-30f8) Create a GitHub Repository
- [Part three:](https://dev.to/kymiddleton/reference-guide-committing-changes-43el) Committing Changes
- [Part four:](https://dev.to/kymiddleton/reference-guide-committing-changes-with-branches-2f8d) Committing Changes with Branches
-[Part five:]( https://dev.to/kymiddleton/reference-guide-merge-conflicts-6op) Merge Conflicts
- [Part six:](https://dev.to/kymiddleton/reference-guide-pull-requests-5an9) Pull Requests
- [Part seven:](https://dev.to/kymiddleton/reference-guide-conducting-a-code-review-k6m) Conducting a Code Review
-[Part eight:]( https://dev.to/kymiddleton/reference-guide-complete-and-merge-a-pull-request--12n4) Complete and Merge a Pull Request