This primer will introduce participants to the Linux filesystem and the Linux command line (specifically the bash shell). It will demonstrate how to navigate the filesystem, work with files using common Linux text utilities, launch programs, and access the built-in help features on Linux systems. It will also touch on a few more advanced concepts such as streams, pipelines, file permissions, and environment variables. Most of the material presented translates to the command line on MacOS or other Unix systems (exceptions will be noted).
Although the pace will be quick, this session is suitable for people with no prior knowledge of computer programming or of Linux/Unix. It may also benefit participants with prior exposure who have been “going through the motions” on the command line and would like a better understanding of what they’re doing. People with extensive experience will likely find the workshop too elementary, though even this group may still find worthwhile nuggets of new information.
Note that this session forms a basis for several other sessions throughout the bootcamp that rely on their participants having at least basic facility with the command line.
Participants will learn how to navigate the Linux filesystem and run basic commands. Since knowledge doesn’t always “stick” after such a brief exposure, the session aims to (i) expose people to this material firsthand, (ii) provide resources for further learning and self-study, and (iii) arm participants with enough conceptual understanding of how Linux works “under the hood” to make sense of those resources.
None. However, to get more out of the session, participants are encouraged to read through (and ideally follow along with) this online Linux tutorial a few days before the session.
Participants in any PICSciE virtual workshop need a Princeton Zoom account. For this session, users should also have an account on our Adroit cluster (another cluster like Tiger or Della is ok), and they should confirm that they can SSH into Adroit at least 48 hours beforehand.
We prefer that everyone do the session by making an SSH connection to Adroit in order to maintain a uniform environment. That said, users with a Linux or Unix command line on their own laptops are welcome to do the workshop like that. Note, however, that there can be some subtle differences in how certain commands work on, e.g., macOS vs. Linux. To minimize hiccups, Mac users are strongly encouraged to SSH into Adroit or install the GNU version of standard command line utilities using a package manager, such as homebrew.
Details on all of the above can be found in the advance setup guide for PICSciE virtual workshops. Those who need extra help setting up should attend the “setup assistance session” on Monday January 18. THERE WILL BE LITTLE TO NO TROUBLESHOOTING DURING THE SESSION ITSELF!
Presentation, demo, and hands-on
All presentation materials are in this Github repo.
A recording of the session is here (requires active Princeton NetID to view).