How to Use Terminal Command Line on Your Mac

With its endless array of commands, Terminal helps Mac users get the most out of their computer. It does this by giving you direct access to the capabilities of your Mac without being hindered by other software.

A note from our experts:

 

While Terminal is a useful tool for Mac users, it’s not an entirely easy experience learning to use it. If you’re looking for a way to use your Mac better and correct some issues, you can use MacKeeper’s Find & Fix to help get rid of malfunctions and use your Mac to its best.

 

Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Find & Fix:

1. Download the MacKeeper app on your Mac and install it.
2. The Find & Fix start page opens when you run MacKeeper.
3. Click Start Full Scan.
4. Press Fix Items Safely.

What is Terminal?

Terminal is the Mac command-line program that functions as an interface to your underlying operating system.

While there are other apps that can be used similarly to Terminal, it stands apart from them because its commands go directly to your OS.

Using text-based prompts, Terminal helps you to control your Mac by entering a single or chain of commands.

How to open Terminal

Depending on what you’re comfortable with, there are several ways to launch Terminal on your Mac. Here are all the ways that you can do it.

Using Spotlight

The fastest way to launch Terminal, with as few steps as possible, is through the Spotlight feature. To do this, press Command + Space to launch Spotlight. Then, type “Terminal” into the search box. You can then either click on the Terminal app or press Return.

Through the Applications folder

For users who aren’t familiar with Spotlight, Terminal is also available through your Mac’s Applications folder. To launch Terminal, open your Applications folder. Next, select Utilities > Terminal.

Using Finder

The last method to open Terminal is to launch it through Finder. On your Mac, open Finder and type “Terminal” in the search bar. Then, select Terminal.

Once you do any of the methods above, a black window will open on your desktop. You’ll see your username, bash, and window size. This is Terminal.

Common types of Terminal commands

Command lines work with built-in shortcuts that tell your Mac exactly what you want it to do. However, it’s only possible to use these commands when you give them in a way your Mac understands.

Here are some common types of commands that you can use in Terminal on your Mac:

• man – verify what a command does
• sleep – delay a process for seconds, minutes, or days
• kill – terminate a process from the command line
• compgen – show available commands and functions
• ls – list directory contents
• mkidir – directory creation
• rmdir – remove an empty directory
• locate – locate a directory or file
• mv – move or rename a directory
• pwd – print the working directory
• cd – change directory
• cp – copy files and directories for backup
• cat – display, combine and create files
• touch – file creation timestamp changes
• less – view a text file’s content
• head – displays the first ten lines of a file
• tail – displays the last ten lines of a file
• echo – print text in Terminal
• grep – search the text for patterns
• history – list recent commands
• clear – erase previous commands and outputs
• exit – close Terminal

Aside from the commands in this list, there are also other commands that you can use. You can even create custom bash commands called “aliases.” In the form of functions, an alias can execute simple and complex instructions.

Parts of a command line

Most types of commands will have three parts – utility, flags, and arguments. Depending on the type of command, flags and arguments are optional. However, the utility is always required to run a command.

Utility

The utility is used to get information, list directories, display content, and make changes to files like copying, moving, and deleting them. Utilities can run on their own or in tandem with single or multiple flags or arguments.

Flag

The flag is a part of the command line that gives the utility options or preferences. Usually, the flag appears after the utility and before the argument. You can identify the flag by the dash, or dashes, that appear before it.

Argument

While it sounds a little aggressive, the main job of the argument is to instruct the utility where to perform its action. Usually located at the end of the command, a single command can have anywhere from zero to several arguments to run.

Tips for using Terminal

Using Terminal for the first time can be challenging. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make it easier. Below are a few tips that you should remember when using Terminal.

Take note of characters

Every character is important in a command — including the spaces (or the lack of spaces) at the beginning and end. Additionally, other factors like spelling and capitalization also affect how commands are executed.

Navigate with the arrow keys

Arrow keys are the only way to navigate the Terminal. With this in mind, don’t be alarmed if you notice that you can't use your trackpad or mouse to navigate across command lines.

Repeat previous commands with the up arrow

Repeat commands by pressing the up arrow to find a previously executed command that you want to repeat. Then, confirm it with the Return key.

Automate commands with scripts

Automate commands that you use often using scripts. In tandem with aliases, scripts automate time-consuming workflows and tasks.  

Be careful of hackers

Lastly, not all commands are good commands. Before executing a command line, especially when it comes from someone you don’t know, take the time to understand how it will affect your computer.  

For many users, Terminal may be hard to understand and use. As a result, many Mac users turn to online tutorials or websites to teach them what command lines to use. However, there are several commands that hackers can use to give them access to your device, delete files without your consent, or crash your computer.

Alternatives to using Terminal command lines

If you’re looking for ways to make your Mac work better, MacKeeper’s Find & Fix helps you.

Read more:

• How To Factory Reset MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or iMac
• How to Update Your Mac Operating System and Installed Apps
• How to Stop a Mac from Sleeping
• How to Defrag a Mac (and Do You Need to)?