Linux is a freely available open-source operating system. Follow this guide to understand the ins and outs of Linux as a beginner.
Learning Linux is necessary to pursue a career in software development, cybersecurity, or IT support. Approximately 66 percent of hiring managers report that knowledge about Linux is the area most likely to impact candidate selection [1].
Linux is an open-source operating system among the most popular, along with Windows, iOS, and macOS. Discover why it continues to rank as an important technology, with 76 percent of open-source professionals using Linux[1].
Linux is an open-source operating system (OS) similar to Windows and macOS. An OS is software that oversees and interacts with a system’s hardware, such as memory, storage, and CPU. It is the core of the connections between software, hardware, and applications.
Linux comes in various versions, known as distributions or distros, almost all of which are available for free download. Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Solus, Manjaro, and Elementary OS are widely used Linux distributions.
Linux is important for software developers because it is used in various technology applications. Learning how to navigate the basics of different operating systems demonstrates to employers that you can manoeuvre any operating system to solve a business problem. Using different systems exposes you to new ways of performing tasks, so you can choose which OS you prefer to use.
Some say Linux is faster than Windows, while others say it’s easier to use and allows more control over the system. In any case, testing out different systems and poking around with problems allows you to understand how things work for yourself. Plus, once you learn to navigate Linux, those skills can be transferred to many job roles.
Learning Linux is beneficial for administrators, network engineers, software developers or engineers, and some cybersecurity professionals who specialise in information technology systems. Linux is the foundation of many servers and supercomputers, making it an important skill to acquire.
Learning the basics of the Linux operating system can take just a few days, and learning its system architecture and command line can take a few weeks.
For more advanced functions, like creating different users, maintaining the system, and more, it can take a year or two to learn and practice all the skills needed to get a job as a Linux systems administrator or developer.
You can learn to use Linux by taking classes online and installing Linux to test your knowledge. Follow these steps to get started.
Begin by understanding what drives your interest in learning Linux. Is the skill needed for a specific job role, such as Linux administrator, or are you seeking a developer role in a technology company? Or is it for personal use, like uninstalling Windows or macOS from your computer to switch to another system?
Developers need to know programming languages, and some want to use Linux as an OS. With the C Programming with Linux Specialisation from Dartmouth College, you can gain foundational computer programming and Linux knowledge, compile C code with Linux, and manage processes. Or, go full stack developer and enroll in IBM’s Cloud Developer Professional Certificate.
Knowing why you’re learning Linux can help you determine how to learn it and how much time and effort you’ll need to invest.
It can be helpful to set small and specific actions for yourself. Based on your career goals, what is your motivation for learning? For example, if you want to learn more about game programming and know how to code, you can install Linux on your computer and begin coding.
But to get into network or system security, you’ll want to learn and compare the same actions on different OS. In that case, you can take a course focusing on specific Linux commands.
Tip: Make use of tools
Consider using open-source tools to facilitate your learning. For example, you can use Ubuntu for a dual-boot setup so you can transition from one OS to another. You can also use blogs and YouTube channels for tutorials on specific tasks and functions.
The following are key skills you’ll need to know within Linux:
Know the basic components of Linux, how it works, and how the different pieces work together. Explore the following topics:
Linux distribution
The functions of the kernel, server, environment, and bootloader
How Linux compares to other operating systems like Windows and macOS
A key basic Linux skill is navigating the file system. To do this, you’ll need to learn the command line, a tool that enables you to interact with a computer with a terminal or a graphical user interface (GUI). The list below highlights some commands to learn:
cd (change directory)
ls (list files)
rm (delete files)
pwd (get current directory)
mkdir (create directory)
touch (create file)
nano (update file)
You’ll want to learn how to redirect inputs and outputs to different files and parts of the operating system using the following commands:
stdin, stdout, stderr (standard input, output, and error)
> and >> (output redirection)
sort (sorting lines of text files)
uniq (filters out repeated lines in a file)
grep (searches for patterns in a file)
sed (inserts, deletes, searches, and replaces)
Shell scripting enables users to automate similar tasks and batch commands into one file. Sometimes called bash scripting, bash scripts are executed in a Bash Linux terminal. Consider the following examples of bash scripting to learn:
How to create a bash file
How to build specific loops and conditionals
How to accept user input
One of the best ways to learn is by doing. If you install Linux on your computer, you can understand and start using the OS. You’ll gain an understanding of what it looks like and how you can alter applications and systems to suit Linux.
Linux is an open-source operating system that is freely available under the GNU General Public License (GPL). It remains a top open-source technology.
With IBM’s Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting, you get practical experience with Linux and common commands, including the basics of Bash shell scripting. You can learn through a series of video-based lectures and hands-on labs with access to a virtual Linux server that can be accessed through your web browser.
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The Linux Foundation. “Open Source Jobs Report, https://training.linuxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/OpenSourceJobsReport2022_FINAL.pdf.” Accessed 8 August 2024.
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