Why Linux is the ‘Second Language’ for Programmers

Word count 1223, reading time approximately 7 minutes

What is your computer really ‘thinking’?

When I first entered the industry, I was completely bewildered by a server running Linux: the screen was filled with dense command lines, with no familiar graphical interface, and I couldn’t even find the files. However, when I first learned to use the <span>ls</span> command to list directory contents and used <span>grep</span> to filter logs, that feeling of having control over everything was irresistible.

Today, let’s talk about operating systems and Linux, exploring why it is called the ‘second language’ for programmers, and how mastering basic commands, file system structure, and process management can help you truly understand the ‘inner world’ of computers.

Unlock Core Linux Skills to Become the ‘Master’ of Your Operating System

First Point: Basic Linux Commands – The Key to the World

The basic commands of Linux are a must-learn for every developer. They may seem simple, but they can solve most daily problems. Here are some of the most commonly used commands and their application scenarios:

1. 1. <span>ls</span>: Explore the ‘hiding place’ of files<span>ls</span> is one of the most basic commands, used to list files and subdirectories in the current directory. For example, <span>ls -l</span> can display detailed information (such as permissions, size, timestamps), while <span>ls -a</span> shows hidden files.
2. 2. <span>cd</span>: Navigate Your File System<span>cd</span> is used to change directories, for example, <span>cd /home/user</span> to enter the user’s home directory, or <span>cd ..</span> to return to the previous directory. It is your compass for ‘navigating’ the file system.
3. 3. <span>grep</span> and <span>awk</span>: Tools for Data Mining

• • <span>grep</span> is good at finding specific content in text. For example, <span>grep "error" log.txt</span> can quickly locate error messages in logs.
• • <span>awk</span> goes a step further, allowing for data formatting. For example, <span>awk '{print $1}' data.txt</span> can extract the first field of each line.

Second Point: File System Structure and Permission Management – Guarding Your Digital Kingdom

The Linux file system uses a tree structure, with the root directory (<span>/</span>) as the starting point for all files. Understanding this structure is crucial for efficient work.

1. 1. File System Structure

• • <span>/bin</span>: Stores commonly used commands (like <span>ls</span>, <span>cp</span>).
• • <span>/etc</span>: Stores configuration files.
• • <span>/var</span>: Saves dynamic data (like logs).
• • <span>/home</span>: Default location for user personal files.

2. Permission Management Linux protects file security through a permission mechanism, mainly including read (r), write (w), and execute (x) permissions. For example, <span>chmod 755 file.sh</span> grants the file owner the highest permissions while allowing other users to read and execute only.

Third Point: Process Management and Thread Scheduling – Mastering the ‘Lifeline’ of Programs

The essence of an operating system is to manage and schedule resources, and process management is at its core. Understanding how to view, start, and terminate processes can help you optimize performance better.

1. 1. Viewing Processes Use the <span>ps</span> command to list currently running processes, for example, <span>ps aux</span> shows detailed information about all processes. Combined with <span>top</span> or <span>htop</span>, you can also monitor CPU and memory usage in real-time.
2. 2. Starting and Terminating Processes

• • Start a background process: <span>nohup command &</span> allows the program to continue running after the terminal is closed.
• • Terminate a process: <span>kill PID</span> sends a signal to terminate the specified process, while <span>killall name</span> ends processes by name in bulk.

3. Thread Scheduling Threads are lightweight processes that share the same address space. By reasonably allocating priorities (such as using <span>nice</span> and <span>renice</span> commands), you can ensure that critical tasks receive resources first.

• • Data Support: According to a study, over 60% of server downtime incidents stem from uncontrolled processes or resource contention. Therefore, mastering process management skills can not only improve efficiency but also avoid potential risks.

Conclusion: Linux is Not Just a Tool, But a Way of Thinking

In summary, as an open-source operating system, Linux not only provides powerful functionality but also cultivates a rigorous and efficient mindset among developers. By mastering basic commands, file system structure, and process management, you can truly understand the principles of computer operation and navigate your work with ease.

So here’s the question: What do you think is the hardest part of learning Linux? Or do you have any interesting tips while using Linux? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

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