> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://prof-rossetti.gitbook.io/intro-to-python/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://prof-rossetti.gitbook.io/intro-to-python/exercises/command-line-computing/mac-terminal.md).

# "Command-line Computing" Exercise

## Command-line Application

Open the Terminal application (Mac) or the Git Bash application (Windows).

### Git Bash (Windows OS)

> FYI: Windows users who are into maximum efficiency through keyboard shortcuts can get there quickly by pressing the "windows" button, then begin typing the word "git", then hit enter when you see "Git Bash" show up. 😺

### Terminal (Mac OS)

> FYI: Mac users who are into maximum efficiency through keyboard shortcuts can get there quickly by pressing the "command + space" buttons to start a spotlight search, then begin typing the word "terminal", then hit enter when you see "Terminal" show up. :smiley\_cat:
>
> ![a screenshot of the terminal app showing up as a result of a spotlight search](/files/-LxyAmxOIMvIReX6rtCH)

![a screenshot of the terminal](/files/-LxyAmxQxys9B6G-hUsx)

> FYI: Mac users who are interested in customizing Terminal app color themes and keyboard shortcuts can reference the professor's [Terminal app configuration notes](/intro-to-python/exercises/command-line-computing/mac-terminal-config.md). :smiley\_cat:

## Instructions

After typing each of the commands below, press "enter" to execute it.

Optionally clear previous terminal output at any time by pressing "command + k", or by typing `clear` and pressing "enter".

### Current User

Display the current user's name:

```bash
whoami
```

### Present Working Directory

Display the current/present working directory:

```bash
pwd
```

### Listing Files in a Directory

List files in the current working directory:

```bash
ls
ls -al # for a different display
```

### Navigating and Managing Directories

Change directories (specifying an absolute file path):

```bash
cd ~/Desktop
```

> FYI: the tilde (`~`) represents your "home" filepath
>
> FYI: you can use `cd ..` to move "up" one directory relative to the current working directory

Open a directory via the operating system's filesystem explorer:

```bash
# Mac Terminal:
open .

# Windows Git Bash:
explorer .
```

Make a new directory:

```bash
mkdir my_folder
```

Remove a directory:

```bash
rm my_folder # triggers an error
rm -rf my_folder # recursively (-r) forces (-f) removal
```

### Managing Files

Setup a new directory in which to add some files, and navigate into that directory:

```bash
mkdir my_folder
cd my_folder
```

Create one or more files in the new directory you just created:

```bash
touch README.md
touch index.html
touch my_data.csv
touch my_message.txt
```

Remove a file:

```bash
rm index.html
```

Edit and save a file, using a command-line utility provided by your preferred text editor (like VS Code):

```bash
code my_message.txt # may first require installation of shell commands from the settings
```

> NOTE: Mac users may need to first configure the `code` command by following these [VS Code shell command setup instructions](/intro-to-python/notes/devtools/vs-code.md#shell-commands)

Display file contents:

```bash
cat my_message.txt
```

Move a file:

```bash
mv ~/Desktop/my_folder/my_message.txt ~/Desktop
```

> FYI: If you are into maximum efficiency, press "tab" to auto-complete file paths so you don't have to type the whole thing. :smiley\_cat:

Copy a file:

```bash
cp ~/Desktop/my_message.txt ~/Desktop/my_folder
```

Copy contents of a file into the clipboard for pasting:

```bash
# Mac OS:
pbcopy < ~/Desktop/my_folder/my_message.txt

# Windows OS:
cat ~/Desktop/my_folder/my_message.txt | clip

# ... then just paste as you normally would after copying some text
```

### Further Exploration (Mac only)

There are many other utilities to use from the command-line.

First, turn up the volume on your computer so everyone around you can hear, then make it speak:

```bash
say "Hello, I am your computer. Let's be friends." # or something else polite and appropriate
```

Optionally explore additional command-line interfaces, if you're curious.

#### Internet Computing

Trace the route traveled by a network request:

```bash
traceroute google.com
# ... stop after a few seconds if necessary by pressing: control + c
```

Time the duration of a network request:

```bash
ping google.com
# ... stop after a few seconds if necessary by pressing: control + c
```

Request the contents of a webpage:

```bash
curl google.com
curl http://www.google.com
curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/prof-rossetti/intro-to-python/master/data/products.json
```