5 Websites to Help You Master the Command Line

With modern day operating systems focusing almost all their energy on the graphical user interface (GUI), its easy to forget about the existence of command line. Most people never bother getting acquainted with the command line, because they feel they don’t need to. And possibly they are right. But knowing your way around the command line can rescue from many sticky situations, and help you in becoming more productive (other than of-course adding to your geek quotient).
Here are five websites that will help you master UNIX (bash shell) and Windows Command Line :

1. CommandWindows : This website features commonly used commands and utilities as well as easy to understand quick start guides for creating your own batch (.bat) files. This is a wonderful place to get started as everything you should know about the command line has been covered in a concise and precise manner.

2. OneSmartClick : Once you have got the basic idea about windows commands and batch file creation headover to OneSmartClick Windows/DOS Batch File Programming guide. You would find plenty of other resources covering various aspects of batch file creation.

3. Linux Command : This is the one stop destination for everything related to linux command line (BASH). All the commonly used shell commands are explained clearly and enough care is taken to build a solid foundation. Unquestionably the best website to begin your adventure with Linux Shell.

4. Tux Radar : Once you are familiar with the shell and are ready to jump into shell scripting move along to Tux Radar. Their Master the Linux command line article succeeds exceedingly well in explaining shell scripting to beginners. But before checking that article don’t forget to read The command-line phrasebook and Exploring filters and pipes.

5. SS64 : This is the ultimate reference website for all your command line needs. Bash, Windows Command prompt and even Powershell is covered. SS64 contains an extensive list of commands and links to pages providing further information on them. I would highly recommend bookmarking this website so that you can refer to it whenever you are in doubt about some command.