Command Line Mastery: The Coolest Things You Can Do in Terminal

Command line interfaces (CLI) are powerful tools that can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency. Here are some of the coolest commands and tricks you can use in a terminal, whether you're using a Linux/UNIX system or a Windows environment.

1. Unusual Text Animations with Boxes, SL, and CMATRIX

One of the most entertaining and aesthetically pleasing things you can do in a terminal is to enjoy some unique text animations. Here are a few commands to get you started:

To install boxes, which creates ASCII art text boxes, use: sudo apt install boxes boxes -l To play a simple ASCII art animation of a train, you can install sl with: apt install sl sl To create a matrix-like animation, run: apt install cmatrix cmatrix

These commands offer a refreshing way to spend a few moments with cool text animations in your terminal.

2. Hiding and Unhiding Files in Windows Terminal

If you're working in a Windows environment, you can use simple one-liners to hide and unhide files:

To hide a file or folder: attrib s h folder name To view the file or folder again: attrib -s -h folder name To permanently delete a file or folder (for hiding with a twist!) del folder name To recover a deleted file or folder: attrib -h folder name

Remember to handle these commands with care, as deleting and hiding files can have irreversible consequences.

3. Starting a Windows Virtualization Session from the Terminal

In a Linux/UNIX environment, you can start a virtualization session from the terminal using tools like VirtualBox. However, the command-line approach can be a bit more complex, but it's definitely doable. Here's a basic example:

virtualbox VM name

Once you're inside the virtual machine, you can browse your virtual environment as if you were in the real machine, but with the flexibility of virtualization.

4. Automated Processes with Command Line Aliases and Scripts

For advanced command-line users, command-line tools are the heart of the operating system. Here are a few examples of what you can achieve:

To create an alias for a command: alias gf To use the alias: gf tag To automatically copy files with a script: while read IMG do cp -v done

These processes allow you to automate repetitive tasks, saving you valuable time and effort.

Conclusion

Whether you're managing thousands of servers at a time or just enhancing your daily workflow, the command line is a powerful tool. These tricks and commands are just a starting point. The true power of the command line lies in its flexibility and customization. So, dive into the world of the terminal, and prepare to harness its full potential!

Have fun exploring and experimenting with these commands. Share your discoveries and methods in the comments below!