Linux is powerful, but mastering its advanced commands can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re working multiple AI projects, cybersecurity tasks, or managing servers.
That’s why I’ve created this simple guide that breaks down the most important advanced Linux commands in plain English, with examples you can try right now.
Whether you’re optimizing a cloud server, automating tasks with scripts, or fine-tuning system performance, these commands will give you the control and precision you need.
And to make life easier, I’ve included a FREE Advanced Linux Commands Cheat Sheet you can download in PDF, ePub, AZW3, MOBI, and DOCX formats, perfect for quick reference.
Download the Advanced Linux Commands Cheat Sheet
Get the advanced commands in a printable cheat sheet. Available in multiple formats:
1. tar : Archive Files Efficiently
The tar command is used to archive multiple files or directories into a single compressed file.
tar -czvf backup.tar.gz /home/user/documents
Example Breakdown: This creates a compressed archive backup.tar.gz of the documents folder.
Tip: Use -x to extract archives: tar -xzvf backup.tar.gz
2. rsync : Fast File Synchronization
rsync is great for syncing directories locally or to remote servers.
rsync -avh /source/folder /destination/folder
Example Breakdown: Syncs /source/folder to /destination/folder, preserving permissions.
3. screen : Persistent Terminal Sessions
screen lets you keep terminal sessions running even after disconnection.
screen -S mysession
Tip: Detach with Ctrl+A, D and resume later with screen -r mysession.
4. tmux : Advanced Terminal Multiplexing
tmux is a modern alternative to screen for managing multiple terminal panes.
tmux new -s devsession
Example: Split windows, switch between panes, and persist your terminal sessions across SSH.
5. locate : Instantly Find Files
locate searches your file system database for files.
locate nginx.conf
Tip: Run sudo updatedb to refresh the locate database.
6. grep : Search Within Files
grep is essential for searching patterns within files.
grep 'error' /var/log/syslog
Example Breakdown: Finds all lines containing “error” in syslog.
7. find : Locate Files with Precision
find allows advanced search with multiple filters.
find /home -name "*.sh" -type f
Example: Finds all shell script files in /home.
8. df : Check Disk Space Usage
df displays disk space statistics.
df -h
Tip: Use -h for human-readable format.
9. du : Check Directory Size
du helps you see which directories are consuming space.
du -sh /var/log/
Example Breakdown: Shows the total size of /var/log in a human-friendly format.
10. top : Monitor System Processes
top provides a live view of processes and resource usage.
top
Tip: Press q to quit.
11. htop : Interactive Process Monitor
htop is a more user-friendly and colorful alternative to top.
htop
Note: You may need to install it: sudo apt install htop
12. netstat : View Network Connections
netstat shows active network connections.
netstat -tulnp
Example Breakdown: Lists all TCP/UDP ports and processes using them.
13. lsof : List Open Files
lsof lists all open files and their corresponding processes.
lsof -i :80
Example: Shows which process is using port 80.
14. ps aux : View All Running Processes
ps aux displays detailed information about all running processes.
ps aux | grep nginx
Example: Filters the process list for nginx.
15. journalctl : View System Logs (systemd)
journalctl is used to query logs managed by systemd.
journalctl -xe
Tip: Add -f to follow logs in real time.
Other Handy Advanced Linux Commands
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ncdu | Disk usage analyzer (interactive) |
| watch | Run a command repeatedly and watch its output |
| alias | Create shortcuts for complex commands |
| xargs | Build and execute command lines from input |
| uptime | Show system uptime and load average |
| vmstat | Report system performance statistics |
| dstat | Versatile resource statistics viewer |
| uptime | Shows system uptime |
Did this guide help you? Share your favorite advanced Linux command tips or questions in the comments below or contact us.
Want more Linux guides? Check out our tutorials on Linux Security Commands Cheat Sheet, Linux Networking Commands, Wget Command Examples, Sudo Command Cheat Sheet and Top Linux Commands. Each post comes with a FREE cheat sheet.
