MRC/Tutorials/The terminal: Difference between revisions
Created page with "We will now introduce you a tool called the terminal. On Ubuntu press ( ctrl + alt + t ). Do you feel like a hacker already? This is the terminal, it allows you to interact with your computer via text. For example try typing<blockquote>ls</blockquote>It will show you all the folders in your current directory, including the folders *Desktop Documents Downloads Music Pictures Public Templates Videos* Lets make a folder for your course files:<blockquote>mkdir mrc</blockquo..." |
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== Introduction to the Terminal == | |||
Welcome to your first encounter with the '''terminal''' — a powerful tool that allows you to interact with your computer through text commands. | |||
To open the terminal in Ubuntu, press: | |||
<code>Ctrl + Alt + T</code> | |||
Do you feel like a hacker already? This is your terminal window, and it's a gateway to controlling your system efficiently using text-based commands. | |||
---- | |||
=== Basic Commands === | |||
Let’s try a simple command. Type the following and press <code>Enter</code>: | |||
<code>ls</code> | |||
This will list all the folders and files in your current directory. You’ll likely see folders like: | |||
<code>Desktop Documents Downloads Music Pictures Public Templates Videos</code> | |||
Let’s create a folder for your course files. Type: | |||
<code>mkdir mrc</code> | |||
<blockquote><code>mkdir</code> stands for '''make directory'''. This command tells the computer to create a new folder named <code>mrc</code>.</blockquote>To confirm the folder was created, use: | |||
<code>ls</code> | |||
To move into the new folder, use: | |||
<code>cd mrc</code> | |||
You’ll notice your terminal prompt changes from something like: | |||
<code><username>@<computername>:~$</code> | |||
to: | |||
<code><username>@<computername>:~/mrc$</code> | |||
This tells you that you're now inside the <code>mrc</code> directory. The <code>~</code> symbol represents your '''home directory''', typically <code>/home/<your-username></code>. | |||
---- | |||
==Terminator== | == Introducing Terminator == | ||
As you continue working, you’ll often need '''multiple terminal windows'''. Instead of opening several separate ones, you can use a tool called '''Terminator''', which lets you manage multiple terminals in a single window. | |||
=== Installing Terminator === | |||
You can install Terminator using the '''Ubuntu Software Center''' or with the following terminal command: | |||
<code>sudo apt-get install terminator</code> | |||
After installation, close your current terminal and open '''Terminator''' (search for it in your applications). | |||
---- | |||
=== Using Terminator === | |||
You’ll notice it looks similar to the regular terminal, but it has powerful extra features. Try the following: | |||
* Press <code>Ctrl + Shift + E</code> → splits the terminal '''vertically''' | |||
* Press it again → another vertical split! | |||
* Now you have '''three terminals''' side-by-side | |||
To move between them: | |||
* Use your '''mouse''', or | |||
* Press <code>Alt + <arrow key></code> (e.g., <code>Alt + →</code> to move right) | |||
The '''active terminal''' is highlighted with a red border — that's the one you’ll be typing into. | |||
Want more space? | |||
* Select a terminal pane and press <code>Ctrl + Shift + O</code> → splits it '''horizontally''' | |||
With Terminator, you can organize multiple terminals in one window — perfect for multitasking during development, testing, or coursework. | |||
Revision as of 14:43, 9 April 2025
Introduction to the Terminal
Welcome to your first encounter with the terminal — a powerful tool that allows you to interact with your computer through text commands.
To open the terminal in Ubuntu, press:
Ctrl + Alt + T
Do you feel like a hacker already? This is your terminal window, and it's a gateway to controlling your system efficiently using text-based commands.
Basic Commands
Let’s try a simple command. Type the following and press Enter:
ls
This will list all the folders and files in your current directory. You’ll likely see folders like:
Desktop Documents Downloads Music Pictures Public Templates Videos
Let’s create a folder for your course files. Type:
mkdir mrc
mkdirstands for make directory. This command tells the computer to create a new folder namedmrc.
To confirm the folder was created, use:
ls
To move into the new folder, use:
cd mrc
You’ll notice your terminal prompt changes from something like:
<username>@<computername>:~$
to:
<username>@<computername>:~/mrc$
This tells you that you're now inside the mrc directory. The ~ symbol represents your home directory, typically /home/<your-username>.
Introducing Terminator
As you continue working, you’ll often need multiple terminal windows. Instead of opening several separate ones, you can use a tool called Terminator, which lets you manage multiple terminals in a single window.
Installing Terminator
You can install Terminator using the Ubuntu Software Center or with the following terminal command:
sudo apt-get install terminator
After installation, close your current terminal and open Terminator (search for it in your applications).
Using Terminator
You’ll notice it looks similar to the regular terminal, but it has powerful extra features. Try the following:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + E→ splits the terminal vertically - Press it again → another vertical split!
- Now you have three terminals side-by-side
To move between them:
- Use your mouse, or
- Press
Alt + <arrow key>(e.g.,Alt + →to move right)
The active terminal is highlighted with a red border — that's the one you’ll be typing into.
Want more space?
- Select a terminal pane and press
Ctrl + Shift + O→ splits it horizontally
With Terminator, you can organize multiple terminals in one window — perfect for multitasking during development, testing, or coursework.