Terminal GuideBest Resources to Learn Linux Commands
A curated guide to the best tutorials, courses, books, and interactive platforms for learning Linux commands. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to level up your terminal skills, these resources will help you become proficient with the command line.
Dai Aoki
CEO at init, Inc. / CTO at US & JP startups / Creator of WebTerm
Linux commands are essential for developers, system administrators, DevOps engineers, and anyone working with servers or cloud infrastructure. The command line gives you precise control over your system and is the foundation of many professional workflows.
With so many learning resources available, it can be hard to know where to start. We've tested and reviewed the best options across different formats — interactive platforms, online courses, books, video tutorials, and practice challenges — so you can find the approach that works best for your learning style.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Resource | Type | Level | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WebTerm | Interactive | Beginner | Free | Browser-based practice |
| Linux Journey | Tutorial | Beginner | Free | Self-paced learning |
| The Linux Command Line | Book | All levels | Free PDF | Comprehensive reference |
| Linux Foundation LFS101 | Course | Beginner | Free | Structured curriculum |
| OverTheWire Bandit | Challenge | Beginner-Intermediate | Free | Gamified learning |
| freeCodeCamp | Tutorial | Beginner | Free | Comprehensive articles |
Interactive Learning Platforms
The fastest way to learn Linux commands is by typing them yourself. These interactive platforms let you practice directly in your browser without installing anything.
WebTerm
Browser-based Linux terminal for practicing real commands instantly — no setup required.
Linux Journey
Free, self-paced tutorials covering Linux fundamentals from command line basics to networking.
OverTheWire Bandit
Learn Linux commands by solving increasingly difficult SSH-based security puzzles.
Linux Survival
Browser-based interactive tutorial with a simulated terminal and step-by-step guidance.
Terminus
MIT-created text adventure game that teaches basic Linux commands like cd, ls, and cat.
Free Online Courses
Structured courses provide a clear learning path with lessons, assignments, and sometimes certificates. These are ideal if you prefer a guided curriculum.
Linux Foundation LFS101 (edX)
Official Introduction to Linux course from the Linux Foundation — comprehensive 14-chapter curriculum.
freeCodeCamp Linux Tutorials
In-depth Linux tutorials by experienced developers covering commands, scripting, and system administration.
Cisco Networking Academy: Linux Essentials
Foundational Linux course aligned with the LPI Linux Essentials certification exam.
Tutorials & Written Guides
Written tutorials are great for reference and for learning at your own pace. Bookmark these and come back whenever you need to learn a new command or technique.
Ubuntu Command Line for Beginners
Official Ubuntu hands-on guide walking you through essential commands with practical examples.
DigitalOcean Community Tutorials
Extensive library of peer-reviewed Linux tutorials in a consistent, practical format.
Ryan's Tutorials: Linux Tutorial
Well-organized tutorial covering Linux basics, permissions, piping, and scripting with progressive lessons.
Terminal Guide Command References
Developer-focused command guides with real-world examples, cheat sheets, and usage patterns.
Books (Free & Paid)
Books provide the deepest and most thorough coverage. These are the best options for building a solid foundation in Linux command line skills.
The Linux Command Line
The definitive book by William Shotts — from basic navigation to shell scripting, available as a free PDF.
Linux Pocket Guide
Concise O'Reilly reference by Daniel Barrett — essential Linux commands organized by topic.
How Linux Works
Deep dive into how Linux works under the hood — boot process, filesystems, networking, and kernel.
Cheat Sheets & Quick References
Keep these cheat sheets bookmarked for quick command lookups when you're working in the terminal.
Terminal Guide Cheat Sheets
Each command guide includes a cheat sheet with the most commonly used options and patterns.
Red Hat Linux Commands Cheat Sheet
Professional-quality downloadable PDF cheat sheet from Red Hat, organized by command category.
DevHints Linux Cheatsheet
Clean, web-based cheat sheet covering common Linux commands in a scannable format.
Video Tutorials & YouTube Channels
If you learn better by watching and following along, these YouTube channels and video courses offer excellent Linux command tutorials.
NetworkChuck
Energetic, beginner-friendly Linux video tutorials — the 'Linux for Hackers' series is a popular starting point.
LearnLinuxTV
Practical, no-nonsense Linux tutorials covering command line, system administration, and server management.
The Linux Experiment
Weekly Linux news, tips, and tutorials to stay current with the Linux ecosystem.
Practice Challenges & Games
Once you know the basics, test your skills with these challenges. They're a fun way to solidify your knowledge and discover commands you haven't used before.
OverTheWire Wargames
Wargame collection teaching security through practical challenges — start with Bandit for Linux basics.
Hack The Box
Cybersecurity platform with hands-on challenges — the Starting Point track covers Linux fundamentals.
CMD Challenge
Solve progressively harder command line challenges using bash — each tests a specific skill.
How to Choose the Right Resource
The best resource depends on your experience level and learning style:
Complete Beginner
Start with an interactive platform to build confidence before diving into documentation.
Recommended path: WebTerm (practice basic commands in your browser) → Linux Journey (structured lessons) → The Linux Command Line book (deepen knowledge)
Some Experience
Focus on filling gaps and building practical skills with real-world scenarios.
Recommended path: Terminal Guide command references (specific command deep-dives) → OverTheWire Bandit (practice with challenges) → How Linux Works book (understand the internals)
Visual Learner
Start with video content, then reinforce with hands-on practice.
Recommended path: NetworkChuck videos (engaging introductions) → WebTerm (practice what you learned) → CMD Challenge (test your skills)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn Linux commands?
Most beginners can learn the essential 20-30 commands in 1-2 weeks of regular practice. Becoming comfortable with the command line for daily use typically takes 1-3 months. Mastering advanced features like scripting, process management, and networking commands can take 6-12 months of hands-on experience.
What is the best way to learn Linux for beginners?
Start with an interactive platform like WebTerm or Linux Journey to learn basic commands in a guided environment. Then practice regularly in a real terminal — either on a Linux machine, WSL on Windows, or macOS Terminal. Complement hands-on practice with a reference book like "The Linux Command Line" by William Shotts (available as a free PDF).
Can I learn Linux commands online for free?
Yes. There are many excellent free resources including WebTerm (browser-based terminal practice), Linux Journey (self-paced tutorials), the Linux Foundation's LFS101 course on edX, freeCodeCamp tutorials, and the free PDF of "The Linux Command Line" book. You can build strong command line skills without spending any money.
Do I need to install Linux to learn commands?
No. You can practice Linux commands without installing Linux. Browser-based terminals like WebTerm let you run commands directly in your web browser. On Windows, you can use WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). On macOS, the built-in Terminal shares most commands with Linux. Cloud platforms like Google Cloud Shell also provide free Linux environments.
Start practicing Linux commands now
The best way to learn is by doing. Open a terminal in your browser and start typing commands — no installation required.
Try WebTerm Free