What do all the symbols in the command line signify
 

I am trying very hard to understand how to use the terminal and can figure out some of the basics.
What is not clear though is what the different symbols like /< > - ..etc mean and when to use them.
Do they mean go, stop, reverse, turn left etc if I may use a motoring analogy?

Apt-get I understand to mean "go fetch the app" but why the - symbol?

I have downloaded CLIcompanion on advice from someone and although it lists some common commands it does not elaborate on their usage.
The way it is set up also forces you to look through all the commands every time to find one that gives the code for what you want to do.

Is there a catalog or something somewhere that lists what you want to do alphabetically and then gives you the command that you need to use instead of listing the commands alphabetically and their usage after?


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I have dumb questions I haven't even thought of yet.

- means nothing in particular. It's just part of the command name, and commands are named arbitrarily. Spaces delineate commands from arguments.
< and > are input and output redirection. See e.g. http://linuxcommand.org/lts0060.php
/ separates folders in a path name, e.g. /usr/local/bin or /home/hatman/Downloads

Hatman KZN,

Don't get yourself too bogged down with the command line.

Just try to get an overall “feel” for it, with some of the more common commands.

15 are listed here:

https://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/778

Short Guide I:

https://beginlinux.wordpress.com/200...d-line-part-1/

Short Guide II:

https://beginlinux.wordpress.com/200...-line-part-ii/


Plus two “cheat sheets” for you to print and keep handy for emergencies!

http://www.cheat-sheets.org/saved-copy/ubunturef.pdf

https://fosswire.com/post/2007/08/un...d-cheat-sheet/

Study these in the meantime and when the need arises, hopefully you will be in a better position and feel more confident in using the CL.


Here's one for you, installing some new software for LibreOffice Writer….Microsoft TrueType fonts.

Open Terminal and using Copy & Paste to avoid typos:



At some point you will need to answer Yes by typing y and then pressing Enter.


You will also need to agree to the MS EULA:

https://www.microsoft.com/typography/fontpack/eula.htm


This is done by pressing the Tab key (above Caps Lock), then pressing Left Arrow key (to highlight Yes) and finally press the Enter key.

You can then open LO Writer and select fonts such as Times New Roman etc which were not available previously.

Here's another one:
You will now see a list of all the icons/programs on your Mint Desktop.

Good luck!

In addition,

linux has only two characters that are not allowed in file names i.e. the / and NULL.

This quick reference guide might also help.

http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/excerp...kref/linux.pdf

The manual pages are very helpful. In the terminal simply type man command name. command name of course is the particular command you are interested in, as an example; man sudo then hit enter and view the results.