The Coder’s Computer

The command Line Interface (CLI) is a bare text-based interface that allows a computer user to input commands that directly interact with the computer operating system (OS). A person can use the CLI to do pretty much everything that can be done using the computer’s visual graphical user interface (GUI); i.e., using the mouse and keyboard to click icons. However, the CLI can do much, much more and much, much faster!

Text editors programs (whether CLI-based or GUI-based) that allow you to create, save, and edit text files on your computer. It is important not to confuse CLI and text editors. Let’s briefly delve into these concepts.

What are four important features to look for in a text editor?

There are tons of different text editors out there to choose from. Most are free to download but there are some that are subscription-based. Ultimately, the one to choose boils down to what you are most comfortable with. With that said, there are some basic features of text editors that I recommend every software / web developer pay attention to when deciding on which one to choose. Below are four of these features:

1. Code completion - allows you to press Tab or Enter to complete your code based on the coding language (i.e., JavaScript).
2. Syntax highlighting - highlights specific code verbiage for easier reading and editing.
3. Linting - a special feature of some text editors that underlines and changes the color of incorrect code or code that breaks best practices.
4. Extensions - special programs that allow a multitude of functions when you are coding in specific languages, such as displaying the definition of certain commands and functions.

What do the following commands do?

1. pwd - print working directory: displays the full path to the directory that you are currently working in
2. ls - list: lists the files and folders within your current directory (or the directory you type after a space character)
3. cd - change directory: changes the current working directory to the directory you type after at least one space
4. mkdir - make directory: creates an empty directory inside your current working directory, or creates directories you specify after at least one space
5. touch - creates an empty file(s) inside the current working directory, or directory you specify after at least one space

Explain what is happening in the following scenario if these commands and arguments are entered into the command line?

(Arguments are extra instructions given to a command.)

cd projects
mkdir new-project
touch new-project/newfile.md
cd ..
ls projects/new-project

The commands above are accomplishing the following tasks in succession:

1. change working directory to the projects directory
2. make a new directory inside the projects directory called new-project
3. create an empty file called newfile.md inside the projects/new-project directory path
4. change the current working directory, moving backwards one directory (parent directory of projects)
5. list the projects/new-project directory, which should only show the newfile.md file