Why it matters for an FDE
Many developer tools run in a terminal. You can inspect files, run an app, and see useful error messages without hunting through menus.
The idea
Treat the terminal like a precise conversation with your computer. You type a short instruction; the computer replies with text. The current folder is your location in that conversation.
Worked example
pwd shows where you are. ls lists the files there. cd projects moves into a folder named projects. cd .. moves one folder up. Start by looking around before changing anything.
Common mistakes
- Typing a command in the wrong folder.
- Copying a command without knowing what it changes.
- Confusing the terminal with Python: they are different tools, though a terminal can start Python.
Quick check
Use the three questions above to check your understanding. Read the explanation after each answer.