Command Line Speedrun: 5 Commands To Work Faster in Linux

If you spend any time at the Linux command line, you probably know that there are multiple ways to complete most tasks.

But what if you want to get your work done faster and more efficiently? 

Check out these five indispensable Linux commands to streamline operations, minimize keystrokes, and boost your efficiency right away.

5 Commands To Work Faster in Linux

cd -

The cd command is already a staple in Linux navigation, but check out this productivity upgrade with the hyphen option.

This simple tweak allows you to switch instantly between the current and previous directories, making it ideal for working in two distant locations.

ls -t | head

If you need to manage large directories, finding recently modified files can be tedious.

By combining the ls command with the -t flag and piping it to head, you can view the latest updates at a glance.

This is a quick way to pinpoint the files you just worked on without endless scrolling.

alias

The alias command takes the hassle out of repetitive typing by creating custom shortcuts for frequently used commands.

For instance, you could replace the lengthy git push origin main command with a simpler gpush alias.

You can also make these shortcuts permanent by adding them to your .bashrc file.

tldr

Tired of wading through lengthy man pages?

The tldr command provides short, example-based documentation for Linux commands.

Note that it may require installation (sudo apt install tldr), but it will then offer a quick and practical way to learn command usage.

rsync

Manual file transfers are a thing of the past with the rsync command.

By using flags like -a for preserving metadata and -v for verbose output, you can quickly synchronize directories efficiently, simplifying backups andeliminating the need for manual copy-pasting.

Wrapping Up

To keep up the theme of speed, here's the TL-DR: these five commands allow Linux users like you to significantly accelerate your workflow.

From directory navigation to file syncing, give these a test drive to save time and enhance your productivity right away.