Bash Command Line Keyboard Shortcuts For Linux / Unix Users

Working at the shell prompt is an essential task for any Linux system administration. However many newcomers find it difficult to work at the bash prompt. Here are some tricks to speed up your work.

Essential bash keyboard shortcuts

CTRL-l : Clear the screen.

CTRL-r : To search for a command in command history. For example yesterday or few hourse back you typed ‘a very very long command’ and you need the same command again. hit CTRL+r and type first few letters of command.

CTRL-c : Cancel command.

CTRL-z : Suspend command.

CTRL-t : Transpose characters. For example you misspelled command date:
$ daet
You can delete the last two characters and retype date again. Or oress Ctr-+t to transpose a character.
$ daet [Hit CTRL+t]
Sample outputs:

$ date

ALT+t OR ESC+t: Transpose words. For example you typed the following command:
$ filename rm
To correct the command as rm filenamejust press Ctrl-t
$ filename rm [ALT+T]
Sample outputs:
$ rm filename

CTRL-u : Deletes entire line.

CTRL-k : Deletes to end of line from current cursor position.

HOME OR CTRL-a : Moves cursor to beginning of line.

END OR CTRL-e : Moves cursor to end of line.

Recall last argument from the previous command and save time

ALT+. – Hold down ALT key and press period/dot. For example, you typed the mkdir command as follows:
$ mkdir -p /tmp/demo/software/qtapp

Next, you need change directory to /tmp/demo/software/qtapp, type cd and press ALT-.:
$ cd [PRESS alt+.]

Command completion

Use tab key to complete command names or filenames. For example, type the word mo:
$ mo
Hit the TAB key to complete the word
$ mo [TAB]

List the possible completions

BASH also supports the possible completions of commands or text (file). For example you would like to list all the possible command starts with the word ls:
$ ls [ESC]
Sample outputs:

ls lsmod lsmod.modutils lspci lsusb
lsattr lsmod.Lmodutils lsof

See also

Read the bash man page for more info:

man bash