These 5 Linux Commands are Completely Pointless

Linux is revered for its powerful command-line interface, offering a level of control unmatched by most other operating systems.

But amidst the treasure trove of useful commands lies a peculiar collection of tools that seem, well, a bit pointless in today’s world.

These relics of a bygone era remind us that not every command has to change the world — some are just quirky holdovers.

Here are five Linux commands that will make you scratch your head and ask, “Why is this still a thing?”

These 5 Linux Commands are Completely Pointless

Ready to become a Linux master in 2025? Well, can you really do that without knowing about the most pointless Linux commands?

yes: The Eternal Affirmation

The yes command endlessly repeats a given string — often the word "yes."

While its infinite affirmations may seem pointless today, it once played a key role in automation, particularly in scripts requiring continuous confirmations.

Now? It’s more of a party trick, printing "yes" (or "no" or any other word) forever.

It’s great for pranks or stress-testing your patience but has little practical use in modern workflows.

factor: The Math Throwback

Need the prime factors of a number? factor has you covered.

Just type a number, and it spits out its factors, no questions asked.

Unless you’re completing a last-minute math assignment or testing your cryptographic algorithms in the terminal, this command feels outdated.

It’s like carrying a slide rule in the age of supercomputers — charming, but unnecessary.

rev: The Backwards Text Wizard

rev flips any string you give it, reversing the text. For example, "Linux" becomes "xuniL." And… that’s it.

Its use cases are as rare as they are specific: perhaps checking for palindromes or creating cryptic Easter eggs in scripts.

While undeniably niche, its existence is a testament to the whimsical side of Linux development.

sl: The Typo Troll

For anyone who’s ever mistyped ls (the command for listing directory contents) as sl, Linux has a cheeky surprise: a steam train animation.

That’s right. Instead of a directory listing, you’re greeted by a locomotive puffing across your terminal.

Completely pointless? Yes. But its sheer playfulness makes it endearing.

The command serves as a lighthearted reminder not to take our typos — or our work — too seriously.

nl: The Line-Number Enthusiast

nl is like the cat command but sassier — it adds line numbers to text files. While handy in the pre-GUI era, most modern text editors include line numbers by default.

Using nl today is akin to hiring a taxi for a ten-foot walk: it gets the job done, but you’ll probably question your life choices afterward.

Still, it’s there for anyone who wants a minimalist solution to text numbering.

If you're eager to level up your Linux knowledge, check out the rest of our Linux Mastery articles tutorials, including:

- 10 Linux Commands That Shaped the Modern Terminal

- The 10 Most Dangerous Linux Commands

Wrapping Up: Why Do These Still Exist?

Despite their seeming pointlessness, these commands endure for a reason. They may play niche roles in legacy scripts, offer nostalgic charm, or simply survive because nobody has felt the need to remove them.

More than anything, they reflect the creativity and eccentricity of the Linux community.

Not every tool needs to be groundbreaking — sometimes, a steam train in your terminal is enough.

Do you still use any of these commands in your workflows, or do you have another contender for the “most pointless” list?

Share your thoughts—they may not solve world hunger, but they’ll remind us all why we love Linux’s quirks.