7 Linux Commands and Tips to Improve Productivity

1. Use "&&" to Link Two or More Commands

Use “&&” to link two or more commands when you want the previous command to be succeeded before the next command.

If you use “;” then it would still run the next command after “;” even if the command before “;” failed. So you would have to wait and run each command one by one. However, using "&&" ensures that the next command will only run if the preceding command finishes successfully. This allows you to add commands without waiting, move on to the next task, and check later. If the last command ran, it indicates that all previous commands ran successfully.

Example: 

ls /path/to/file.txt && cp /path/to/file.txt /backup/ 

The above example ensures that the previous command runs successfully and that the file "file.txt" exists. If the file doesn't exist, the second command after "&&" won't run and won't attempt to copy it.

2. Use “grep” With  -A and -B Options

One common use of the "grep" command is to identify specific errors from log files. However, using it with the -A and -B options provides additional context within a single command, and it displays lines after and before the searched text, which enhances visibility into related content.

Example: 

% grep -A 2 "java.io.IOException" logfile.txt

java.io.IOException: Permission denied (open /path/to/file.txt)

    at java.io.FileOutputStream.<init>(FileOutputStream.java:53)

    at com.pkg.TestClass.writeFile(TestClass.java:258) 

Using grep with -A here will also show 2 lines after the “java.io.IOException” was found from the logfile.txt.

Similarly, 

grep "Ramesh" -B 3 rank-file.txt
Name: John Wright, Rank: 23
Name: David Ross, Rank: 45
Name: Peter Taylor, Rank: 68
Name Ramesh Kumar, Rank: 36

Here, grep with -B option will also show 3 lines before the “Ramesh” was found from the rank-file.txt

3. Use “>” to Create an Empty File

Just write > and then the filename to create an empty file with the name provided after >

Example:

>my-file.txt 

It will create an empty file with "my-file.txt" name in the current directory.

4. Use “rsync” for Backups 

"rsync" is a useful command for regular backups as it saves time by transferring only the differences between the source and destination. This feature is especially beneficial when creating backups over a network.

Example: 

rsync -avz /path/to/source_directory/ user@remotehost:/path/to/destination_directory/

5. Use Tab Completion

Using tab completion as a habit is faster than manually selecting filenames and pressing Enter. Typing the initial letters of filenames and utilizing Tab completion streamlines the process and is more efficient.

6. Use “man” Pages

Instead of reaching the web to find the usage of a command, a quick way would be to use the “man” command to find out the manual of that command. This approach not only saves time but also ensures accuracy, as command options can vary based on the installed version. By accessing the manual directly, you get precise details tailored to your existing version.

Example: 

man ps 

It will get the manual page for the “ps” command

7. Create Scripts

For repetitive tasks, create small shell scripts that chain commands and perform actions based on conditions. This saves time and reduces risks in complex operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming familiar with these Linux commands and tips can significantly boost productivity and streamline workflow on the command line. By using techniques like command chaining, context-aware searching, efficient file management, and automation through scripts, users can save time, reduce errors, and optimize their Linux experience.