The Command-line and scripting Course

There are two main ways of interacting with computers. The first is the graphical user interface (GUI) and the second is the command-line interface (CLI).

2 hours

Course description

In this course, you will learn how to run simple commands in the CLI and understand how to use "switches" to modify those commands. You will then learn about interpreted languages (which are how computers communicate) such as Microsoft Visual Basic, Python, and JavaScript and how to use those to run scripts that can automate long, tedious tasks.

Syllabus

Scripting and the terminal

Video - 00:09:00
Scripting can make tedious tasks more efficient, but there are a number of other reasons to use it as well. This video reviews the use cases for scripting, what can happen when scripting goes wrong, and a few other helpful tips.
Interpreted languages

Video - 00:12:00
Every operating system contains interpreters that can read higher-level programming languages. This episode covers three popular interpreters: Visual Basic, Python, and JavaScript.
Introduction to scripting

Video - 00:10:00
Scripting is the process of combining a list of commands into text files in order to easily re-run the whole sequence of commands again later. Every operating system has at least two if not more scripting functions to allow a tech to do exactly this.
Advanced Linux commands

Video - 00:11:00
The CompTIA exam covers a few more advanced Linux commands. These commands enable some unique navigation.
Advanced Windows commands

Video - 00:08:00
The Windows command line also provides hundreds of tools, and many have nothing to do with managing files, folders, and drives. A good tech should understand commands for manipulating processes and group policies.
Command-line permissions

Video - 00:07:00
All Linux/UNIX operating systems share a unique file/folder permission system, very different from Windows’, which requires careful understanding.
Super copy commands

Video - 00:08:00
Every CLI provides a basic copy command to move files from one location to another. These basic tools lack special features such as copying entire folder structures. That’s where special “super” copy commands come in.
Working with drives

Video - 00:13:00
Every CLI provides a complete set of tools to administer our mass storage drives. You’ll find tools to format and partition drives, scan for errors and correct them, and more.
Working with files

Video - 00:11:00
Within that big tree of folders, the data itself is saved in individual files. A good tech must understand how to create, delete, and move files.
Working with folders

Video - 00:06:00
The data stored in our mass storage devices is organized into a large tree of folders (also known as directories). A good tech must understand how to create, delete and move folders.
Navigating the CLI

Video - 00:14:00
Navigating around your mass storage is one of the most critical CLI functions. To do it, you’ll need to know about specific commands, their relevant switches, and how directories are structured.
Understanding the CLI

Video - 00:11:00
All operating systems provide at least one command-line interface (CLI). While the CLIs differ, they all share certain features and functions.

Meet the author

Mike Meyers

Mike Meyers, affectionately called the "Alpha Geek," is the industry's leading authority on CompTIA certifications. He is the president and co-founder of Total Seminars, LLC, a provider of PC and network repair seminars, books, videos and courseware for thousands of organizations throughout the world. Mike has been involved in the computer and network repair industry since 1987 as a technician, instructor, author, consultant and speaker. He has sold over a million IT and certification books, including the best-selling CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide and CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide. He has personally taught thousands of students, including U.S. senators, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, members of the United Nation, every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, many branches of the Department of Justice, hundreds of corporate clients and academic students at every level.
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