mac os terminal commands for beginners
Jul 23, 2025 am 02:55 AMpwd displays the current location, ls view the file, cd switches the directory; 2. Touch creates empty files, mkdir creates folders, rm deletes files or -r deletes folders, mv renames or moves, cp copy files; 3. cat view content, open with default application, nano edits text; add Tab completion, ↑ checks history, Ctrl C termination, man checks help, and gradually practice to use Terminal proficiently.
If you're new to macOS and want to start using the Terminal, here's a beginner-friendly list of essential commands—plus what they do and why they're useful.

? 1. Navigating Your File System
These commands help you move around folders (like clicking through Finder):
-
pwd
Print Working Directory – Shows your current location in the file system.
Example output:/Users/yourname/Documents
-
ls
List files and folders in the current directory.
Try:-
ls -l
→ shows details (size, date, permissions) -
ls -a
→ shows hidden files (those starting with.
)
-
-
cd [folder-name]
Change Directory – Move into a folder.-
cd Documents
→ goes into the Documents folder -
cd ..
→ goes back one folder -
cd ~
or justcd
→ goes back to your home folder
-
? 2. Creating, Moving, and Deleting Files/Folders
touch filename.txt
Creates a new empty file (great for testing).mkdir foldername
Make Directory – creates a new folder.
Example:mkdir Projects
rm filename.txt
Remove a file (?? permanent—no trash!).
Use carefully!rm -r foldername
Removes a folder and everything inside.
?? Even more careful! Test withls
first.mv oldname.txt newname.txt
Move or Rename – also used to move files between folders:
mv file.txt ~/Documents/
cp file.txt copy.txt
Copy a file.
? 3. Viewing and Editing Files
cat filename.txt
Shows the full content of a file in the Terminal.open filename.txt
Opens the file in its default app (eg, TextEdit for .txt).-
nano filename.txt
Opens a simple text editor inside the Terminal (good for beginners).- Save:
Ctrl O
, then Enter - Exit:
Ctrl X
- Save:
?? Bonus Tips for New Users
- Auto-complete : Start typing a filename/folder and press
Tab
– macOS will fill it in if it's unique. - Command history : Press the ↑ (up) arrow to see previous commands.
- Stop a running command : Press
Ctrl C
. - Get help : Type
man command-name
(eg,man ls
) to read the manual page.
These commands cover 90% of what beginners need. Practice them in a safe folder (like your Desktop or a test folder), and you'll get comfortable fast. No need to memorize all at once—just use one or two each day.
Basically, it's like Finder—but faster once you know the shortcuts.
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