Use a terminal
Hello everybody.
The second tip that I want to provide to newbie programmers is using a terminal. Terminal is a command line interface for a work with a computer and this is the first visual interface to interact with it. In modern operating systems we use a terminal emulator. But I will use the terminal term in this note. I think the difference between the terminal and the terminal emulator isn’t so important for newbie programmers.
From the childhood we have had a habit to use window interface in our operating systems. We use drag’n’drop for moving files, installer ones for programs, file managers for renaming directories and files. It’s super simple and understandable. But when we touch programming suddenly the terminal breaks into our life. We should use word commands for navigating between directories, moving, creating, opening files, or for installing programs. Moreover, we should use the terminal in order to watch for logs of our programs and check status of them.
Using the terminal seems harder than a familiar window interface. But it’s a deep delusion. Creating file using simple symbol combination like “touch ./filepath/filename” is faster than opening file manager, selecting need-able directory, clicking right button of mouse (touchpad), selecting “create new file”, typing filename. Of course, remembering a big bunch of commands for the terminal doesn’t seem such an easy task. It is a deep delusion to. All of us learned the multiplication table at school, and we use it for our whole life. Regular practice of that beautiful table doesn’t let us forget it. The same thing is for commands for the terminal. Learn it once and use regularly, and you cannot forget it. It’s like a case with multiplication table.
The terminal is a powerful instrument for all kind of computer users, especially if that user is a programmer. Creating a habit to use it will improve your programming skills and open new horizons. You can find a full list of commands for your operating system on the internet. Some commands are similar to different OS. For example all Unix-like systems have a very similar collection of them. In case of Windows OS we should use a less powerful terminal with less collection of commands. Anyway, If you want to be a professional programmer nowadays, Unix-like OS will be a better choice. Microsoft has been working hard to improve its Windows OS for programmers for the last few years. But unfortunately it’s still not a good tool for work. Of course if you don’t work with C# and .NET ecosystem.
That’s all. Use the terminal. It’s a really great tool for everyday work for all kinds of computer users.
Thank you. Best regards, Vladimir Bolshakov.
