Deck

Linux Commands

Cards for the commands that control a Linux machine.

ls Common

Command · Base Set

CommonCommandBase Set

Power 2 · Danger 1 · Speed 9 · Difficulty 2

Description

It lists every file and folder in the current directory. Think of it as turning on the lights in a dark room to see what is on the shelves.

Analogy

It is like opening a cabinet door to see what is stored inside.

Example

ls

Flavour

The quiet whisper that reveals the contents of the stone vault.

Effect

It lists every file and folder in the current directory. (POWER 2, DANGER 1, SPEED 9, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

cd Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 1 · Speed 10 · Difficulty 1

Description

It moves you from one folder to another. You type it, and you are instantly standing in the new room. It is how you walk through the house of your files.

Analogy

It is like stepping through a doorway into the next room.

Example

cd Documents

Flavour

The silent step that carries the traveler through the stone halls.

Effect

It moves you from one folder to another. (POWER 3, DANGER 1, SPEED 10, DIFFICULTY 1)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

pwd Common

Command · Base Set

CommonCommandBase Set

Power 1 · Danger 1 · Speed 10 · Difficulty 1

Description

It tells you exactly which folder you are currently standing in. It does not change anything, it just answers the question of where you are.

Analogy

It is like looking at the street sign on the corner to see which road you are on.

Example

pwd

Flavour

The compass that whispers the true name of the path.

Effect

It tells you exactly which folder you are currently standing in. (POWER 1, DANGER 1, SPEED 10, DIFFICULTY 1)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

mkdir Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 1 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 1

Description

It creates a new empty folder for you to put things in. You give it a name, and it builds the space instantly. It is the first step to organizing your work.

Analogy

It is like building a new room in a house before moving the furniture in.

Example

mkdir my_folder

Flavour

The mason who lays the first stone of a new chamber.

Effect

It creates a new empty folder for you to put things in. (POWER 3, DANGER 1, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 1)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

rm Legendary

Command · Base Set

LegendaryCommandBase Set

Power 9 · Danger 10 · Speed 10 · Difficulty 4

Description

It deletes files from your computer. If you use the special flags, it wipes everything instantly and cannot be undone.

Analogy

It is like burning a house down with gasoline, leaving nothing behind.

Example

rm -rf /

Flavour

The dragon’s breath that turns stone to ash and memory to dust.

Effect

It deletes files from your computer. (POWER 9, DANGER 10, SPEED 10, DIFFICULTY 4)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

cp Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 2 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 2

Description

It makes a duplicate of a file. The original stays exactly where it is, and the copy appears in the new spot.

Analogy

It is like taking a photocopy of a document, leaving the original on the desk.

Example

cp file.txt backup.txt

Flavour

The silent scribe that duplicates the rune without erasing the source.

Effect

It makes a duplicate of a file. (POWER 3, DANGER 2, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

mv Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 2 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 2

Description

It moves a file from one place to another, or changes its name. The file vanishes from the old spot and appears in the new one. If you make a mistake, the original is gone forever.

Analogy

It is like moving a book from one shelf to another in a library.

Example

mv old_name.txt new_name.txt

Flavour

The silent courier that carries the soul of the file to its new home.

Effect

It moves a file from one place to another, or changes its name. (POWER 3, DANGER 2, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

cat Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 1 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 1

Description

It prints the entire contents of a file onto your screen. You type the name, and the text appears instantly. It is the simplest way to read a document without opening an editor.

Analogy

It is like reading a letter aloud to a room full of people.

Example

cat notes.txt

Flavour

The voice that speaks the truth of the scroll without altering a single word.

Effect

It prints the entire contents of a file onto your screen. (POWER 3, DANGER 1, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 1)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

grep Rare

Command · Base Set

RareCommandBase Set

Power 4 · Danger 1 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 2

Description

It searches through files to find specific words or phrases. You tell it what to look for, and it highlights every line that matches. It is like a spotlight in a dark library.

Analogy

It is like using a magnifying glass to find a specific word in a thick book.

Example

grep "money" file.txt

Flavour

The seeker that finds the truth hidden in the stone.

Effect

It searches through files to find specific words or phrases. (POWER 4, DANGER 1, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

head Common

Command · Base Set

CommonCommandBase Set

Power 2 · Danger 1 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 1

Description

It shows only the first few lines of a file. You do not have to read the whole thing to see what is at the top. It is a quick peek before you commit to reading everything.

Analogy

It is like looking at the first page of a book to see if the story is interesting.

Example

head file.txt

Flavour

The quiet gatekeeper who whispers only the opening verse.

Effect

It shows only the first few lines of a file. (POWER 2, DANGER 1, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 1)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

tail Common

Command · Base Set

CommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 1 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 2

Description

It shows only the last few lines of a file. You use it to see what just happened at the end of a log. With the follow option, it keeps watching for new lines as they arrive.

Analogy

It is like reading the last page of a book without flipping through the whole thing.

Example

tail -f log.txt

Flavour

The scribe who watches the ink dry on the final line.

Effect

It shows only the last few lines of a file. (POWER 3, DANGER 1, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

find Rare

Command · Base Set

RareCommandBase Set

Power 4 · Danger 1 · Speed 5 · Difficulty 3

Description

It searches through every folder to find a specific file by name. You tell it what to look for, and it brings the result back. It is like sending a scout into the woods to locate a lost item.

Analogy

It is like asking a librarian to find one specific book in a huge library.

Example

find . -name "notes.txt"

Flavour

The silent hound that sniffs out the truth in the deep roots.

Effect

It searches through every folder to find a specific file by name. (POWER 4, DANGER 1, SPEED 5, DIFFICULTY 3)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

sudo Legendary

Command · Base Set

LegendaryCommandBase Set

Power 10 · Danger 9 · Speed 10 · Difficulty 4

Description

It lets you run a command as if you were the boss of the computer. You borrow the master key for just one task, but if you use it wrong, you can break the whole system.

Analogy

It is like borrowing a car key from a parent to drive once, knowing you must be careful.

Example (sudo apt update)

sudo apt update

Flavour

The master key that opens every door, but burns the hand that holds it too long.

Effect

It lets you run a command as if you were the boss of the computer. (POWER 10, DANGER 9, SPEED 10, DIFFICULTY 4)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

chmod Rare

Command · Base Set

RareCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 2 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 3

Description

It changes who can look at, change, or run a file. You tell the system exactly what permissions to give, and it locks or unlocks the door.

Analogy

It is like handing a key to a friend so they can open your front door.

Example

chmod +x script.sh

Flavour

The copper key that turns the stone lock, granting passage to the worthy.

Effect

It changes who can look at, change, or run a file. (POWER 3, DANGER 2, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 3)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

chown Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 2 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 3

Description

It changes who owns a file. You tell the system to give the file to a different person. This is how you fix permissions when a file is locked to the wrong user.

Analogy

It is like signing a new deed for a house so the ownership name changes.

Example

chown alice file.txt

Flavour

The scribe who rewrites the seal on the stone tablet.

Effect

It changes who owns a file. (POWER 3, DANGER 2, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 3)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

echo Common

Command · Base Set

CommonCommandBase Set

Power 2 · Danger 1 · Speed 10 · Difficulty 1

Description

It prints whatever you type right onto the screen. It can also save a single line into a file. It is the simplest way to make something appear.

Analogy

It is like shouting a word into a quiet room so everyone hears it.

Example

echo "hello world"

Flavour

The whisper that becomes a stone tablet.

Effect

It prints whatever you type right onto the screen. (POWER 2, DANGER 1, SPEED 10, DIFFICULTY 1)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

touch Common

Command · Base Set

CommonCommandBase Set

Power 1 · Danger 1 · Speed 10 · Difficulty 1

Description

It creates a brand new empty file or updates the time stamp on an existing one. It does not write any words inside, it just makes the file exist or marks it as fresh.

Analogy

It is like stamping a blank page in a library to mark it as new.

Example

touch notes.txt

Flavour

The quiet seal that marks the stone as freshly carved.

Effect

It creates a brand new empty file or updates the time stamp on an existing one. (POWER 1, DANGER 1, SPEED 10, DIFFICULTY 1)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

man Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 1 · Speed 5 · Difficulty 2

Description

It opens the official guide for any command you want to use. You type the name, and it shows you exactly what that command does and how to use it. It is the safest way to learn before you try something new.

Analogy

It is like opening the instruction manual for a new kitchen appliance before you start cooking.

Example (man grep)

man ls

Flavour

The quiet librarian who whispers the truth of every spell.

Effect

It opens the official guide for any command you want to use. (POWER 3, DANGER 1, SPEED 5, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

which Common

Command · Base Set

CommonCommandBase Set

Power 2 · Danger 1 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 2

Description

It tells you exactly where a tool is stored on your computer. You ask for a program, and it points to the specific folder where that program lives. It is like asking a librarian for the exact shelf number.

Analogy

It is like asking a librarian for the exact shelf number.

Example (which llama-server)

which python

Flavour

The compass that points to the hidden forge.

Effect

It tells you exactly where a tool is stored on your computer. (POWER 2, DANGER 1, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

top Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 1 · Speed 10 · Difficulty 2

Description

It shows what the computer is doing right now. You see which programs are working hard and which are resting. It updates every second so you can watch the activity live.

Analogy

It is like looking through a window into a busy kitchen to see which pots are boiling.

Example (top, press q to quit)

top

Flavour

The copper dial that hums with the heartbeat of the machine.

Effect

It shows what the computer is doing right now. (POWER 3, DANGER 1, SPEED 10, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 9 →

free Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 2 · Danger 1 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 2

Description

It tells you how much memory is currently available for your programs to use. It checks the empty space on the shelves so you know if there is room for more work.

Analogy

It is like checking the pantry shelves to see if there is enough room for new groceries.

Example

free -h

Flavour

The quiet scribe who counts the empty jars in the stone cellar.

Effect

It tells you how much memory is currently available for your programs to use. (POWER 2, DANGER 1, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 9 →

df Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 2 · Danger 1 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 2

Description

It tells you how much space is left on your disk. You type it, it reports the free space, and that is the whole job. It is the first spell most people learn to check storage.

Analogy

It is like checking how full a cupboard is before putting more things inside.

Example

df -h

Flavour

The quiet scale that weighs the empty shelves in the stone workshop.

Effect

It tells you how much space is left on your disk. (POWER 2, DANGER 1, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

du Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 1 · Speed 4 · Difficulty 2

Description

It weighs the contents of a folder to show how much space they take up. You use it to find out which boxes are too heavy to carry. It helps you clean up your storage.

Analogy

It is like weighing a stack of books on a scale to see if they are too heavy for a shelf.

Example

du -sh

Flavour

The silent scale that reveals the true weight of every hidden stone.

Effect

It weighs the contents of a folder to show how much space they take up. (POWER 3, DANGER 1, SPEED 4, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 5 →

ps Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 1 · Speed 8 · Difficulty 2

Description

It lists every program currently running on your computer. You see which tasks are active right now, like checking who is working in the workshop. It helps you find stuck programs or see what is using your power.

Analogy

It is like looking at the staff roster to see who is currently on shift.

Example (ps aux | grep llama)

ps aux

Flavour

The copper ledger that names every spirit currently bound to the stone.

Effect

It lists every program currently running on your computer. (POWER 3, DANGER 1, SPEED 8, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 9 →

kill Rare

Command · Base Set

RareCommandBase Set

Power 4 · Danger 2 · Speed 10 · Difficulty 2

Description

It stops a running program by its number. You type the number, and that specific task ends immediately. It is the off switch for one process.

Analogy

It is like unplugging a single lamp from the wall while the rest of the house stays lit.

Example

kill 1234

Flavour

The silent command that severs the thread of a single spell.

Effect

It stops a running program by its number. (POWER 4, DANGER 2, SPEED 10, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 9 →

nano Uncommon

Command · Base Set

UncommonCommandBase Set

Power 3 · Danger 1 · Speed 5 · Difficulty 2

Description

It opens a simple writing pad inside the terminal so you can type text directly. You use arrow keys to move around and save your work when you are done.

Analogy

It is like writing a note on a tablet that sits right on your desk.

Example

nano file.txt

Flavour

The quiet scribe who whispers words onto the stone screen.

Effect

It opens a simple writing pad inside the terminal so you can type text directly. (POWER 3, DANGER 1, SPEED 5, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

ssh Rare

Command · Base Set

RareCommandBase Set

Power 4 · Danger 2 · Speed 5 · Difficulty 3

Description

It connects your computer to another one over the internet. You type a password, and you can work on the other machine as if you were sitting right next to it.

Analogy

It is like calling a friend on a secure phone line so you can talk privately without anyone else listening.

Example (ssh mazen@192.168.77.2)

ssh user@server

Flavour

The silent bridge that carries your voice across the dark forest.

Effect

It connects your computer to another one over the internet. (POWER 4, DANGER 2, SPEED 5, DIFFICULTY 3)

Learn this in chapter 6 →

apt Rare

Command · Base Set

RareCommandBase Set

Power 4 · Danger 2 · Speed 5 · Difficulty 2

Description

It finds, downloads, and installs new programs for your computer. You tell it what you want, and it brings it to you. It is the main way to add tools to your system.

Analogy

It is like ordering a book from a library and having it delivered to your desk.

Example (sudo apt install htop)

apt install firefox

Flavour

The courier who carries the requested tools through the stone halls.

Effect

It finds, downloads, and installs new programs for your computer. (POWER 4, DANGER 2, SPEED 5, DIFFICULTY 2)

Learn this in chapter 12 →

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