The first time I tried using Linux, I felt like I had been dropped into an alien landscape.
The terminal stared back at me, waiting for commands I didn’t know. Simple tasks—like navigating folders or installing software—felt impossible without copy-pasting from online tutorials.
Then I discovered Termux. Suddenly, I didn’t need a full Linux setup to practice. I could experiment right from my phone, breaking and fixing things without fear. And once I learned a handful of essential commands, the terminal stopped being intimidating—it became a powerful tool.
In this guide, I’ll share those key Linux commands that make Termux easy to use, even if you’re just getting started.
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- Essential Linux commands for Termux
- ls – List Directory Contents
- cd – Change Directory
- pwd – Print Working Directory
- mkdir – Make Directory
- touch – Create Empty Files
- cp – Copy Files and Directories
- mv – Move or Rename Files and Directories
- rm – Remove Files and Directories
- cat – Concatenate and Display File Content
- grep – Search Text in Files
- pkg – Manage Packages
- sudo – Superuser Do
- man – Manual Pages
- Termux: Your Linux Playground Anytime, Anywhere
Essential Linux commands for Termux
Termux brings the power of Linux to your Android device, allowing you to run commands, manage files, and even install packages—all without root access. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, mastering a few essential commands can make your Termux experience smoother and more efficient.
In this guide, you’ll learn the must-know Linux commands to navigate directories, manage files, install packages, and handle processes within Termux. These commands form the foundation of using Termux effectively, giving you control over your mobile terminal environment.
ls – List Directory Contents
Use Case: View the files and directories in your current location within Termux.
ls Explanation: The ls command is one of the essential Linux commands that lists the contents of the current directory. Use ls -l for more detailed information, including file sizes and modification dates.
cd – Change Directory
Use Case: Navigate through different directories on your Termux environment.
cdExplanation: cd is an essential Linux command that allows you to move between directories. For example, use cd .. to go up one level in the directory structure.
cd ..pwd – Print Working Directory
Use Case: Confirm your current directory in Termux.
pwdExplanation: pwd is an essential Linux command that displays the full path of your current directory, helping you stay oriented as you navigate the file system in Termux.
mkdir – Make Directory
Use Case: Create new directories to organize your files on Termux.
mkdir MusicExplanation: mkdir is an essential Linux command that creates a new directory. This is useful for organizing your projects or storing scripts and documents.
touch – Create Empty Files
Use Case: Quickly create new files, such as scripts or notes, in Termux.
touch mynose.txtExplanation: touch is an essential Linux command that creates an empty file with the specified name. It’s a handy way to set up new files that you’ll edit later.
cp – Copy Files and Directories
Use Case: Duplicate files or directories within your Termux environment.
cp mynose.txt mynose_bak.txtExplanation: cp is an essential Linux command that copies files or directories from one location to another. Use cp -r to copy entire directories.
cp -rv Music Music-backupmv – Move or Rename Files and Directories
Use Case: Move files to a new location or rename them in Termux.
mv old_name.txt new_name.txtExplanation: mv is an essential Linux command that moves files or directories to a new location. It can also rename files by specifying a new name.
rm – Remove Files and Directories
Use Case: Delete files or directories you no longer need in Termux.
rm myfile.txtExplanation: rm is an essential Linux command that deletes files. To remove directories, use rm -r (this is a powerful command—be cautious as deletions are irreversible).
cat – Concatenate and Display File Content
Use Case: View the content of a file quickly in Termux.
cat myfile.txtExplanation: cat is an essential Linux command that displays the contents of a file. It’s particularly useful for quickly checking the content of small files.
grep – Search Text in Files
Use Case: Find specific text patterns within files in Termux.
grep "search_term" myfile.txtExplanation: grep is an essential Linux command that searches for a specified pattern within a file and prints matching lines. This command is ideal for analyzing logs or searching through code.
pkg – Manage Packages
Use Case: Install, update, or remove software packages in Termux.
pkg install pythonExplanation: pkg is an essential Linux command in Termux’s package manager. Use it to install software packages, like Python or Git, to extend the functionality of your Termux environment.
sudo – Superuser Do
Use Case: Execute commands with elevated (root) privileges.
Note: In Termux, sudo is not available by default, but you can install tsu to gain root access if your device is rooted.
tsuExplanation: tsu is an essential Linux command that allows you to run commands with superuser permissions, necessary for certain administrative tasks.
man – Manual Pages
Use Case: Get help and understand the options for any command in Termux.
man lsExplanation: man is an essential Linux command that shows the manual page for a command, providing detailed information on how to use it, including available options and flags.
Termux: Your Linux Playground Anytime, Anywhere
Learning Linux commands doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Termux, you have a no-risk, no-hassle way to practice and master the essentials—right from your phone. What once seemed like a cryptic black screen now becomes a powerful tool in your pocket.
The best way to learn? Start using these commands today. Open Termux, experiment, and watch as what once felt complicated becomes second nature. Before you know it, you won’t just be using Termux—you’ll be wielding it.
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