Introduction to Programming

Linux Command Line

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pwd	Display current directory (Present Working Directory)
ls	List files in current directory
cd directory	Change directory
mkdir directory	Make a new directory (does not move into it)
nano filename	Simple text editor. Once in the editor, see the commands at the bottom (hold down control).
cp from_file to_file	Make a copy of a file
mv from_file to_file	Move a file
rm filename	Remove (delete) a file. Be careful!! You can't undo this!
cat filename	Display contents of a file
more filename	Display contents of a big file, letting you pause for each page.
history	See all the commands you've typed in.
man command	Get help for a command
gcc code_file -o executable_file	Compile! Turn your code into an executable.

If a file already exists you can use "tab completion" to find it quickly. When typing the name of the file, type the first few characters and then hit TAB. If there's only one file that begins with those letters, the command line will auto-complete the filename for you!
The command line keeps a history of commands you've typed in. If you want to repeat a previous command, use the up and down arrow keys to select one, and then hit return.
When typing in a file name, normally you can only put files in the current directory. However, you can get to any file on the computer by putting in a "path" instead of a filename. This is like giving the computer directions on how to get to the file. Use / slashes (not \ backslashes!) between directory names, and use period-period (..) to mean "go up one level" Tab completion comes in really handy for typing in paths!
You don't have to use nano to edit files. You can use your favorite text editor, whether it be notepad, TextEdit, vim, emacs, or whatever. The only requirement is that it be able to save raw text files.