Linux Commands Asked in Interview: A Comprehensive Guide

Essence: Navigating the world of Linux commands is crucial for server and VPS management. This guide highlights essential Linux commands frequently asked in interviews, equipping you with the knowledge to excel in technical roles.

Understanding the Importance of Linux Commands in Interviews

When it comes to server and VPS management, Linux commands are the backbone of your technical expertise. During interviews, employers often assess your proficiency in these commands to gauge your ability to handle server-side tasks efficiently. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most commonly asked Linux commands in interviews, helping you prepare for technical roles in the server and VPS domain.

Essential Linux Commands for Server and VPS Management

Here are some of the key Linux commands that you should be familiar with for a successful interview in the server and VPS domain:

Navigation Commands

cd: Change directory. Example: cd /home/user

pwd: Print working directory. Example: pwd

ls: List files and directories. Example: ls -l for a detailed list.

cp: Copy files and directories. Example: cp file1.txt /path/to/destination

mv: Move or rename files and directories. Example: mv file1.txt file2.txt

File and Directory Permissions

chmod: Change file or directory permissions. Example: chmod 755 file.txt

chown: Change the owner of a file or directory. Example: chown user:user file.txt

chgrp: Change the group ownership of a file or directory. Example: chgrp group file.txt

Text Processing

cat: Concatenate files and display them on the screen. Example: cat file1.txt file2.txt

grep: Search for a pattern in files. Example: grep "pattern" file.txt

cut: Extract sections from each line of files. Example: cut -d " " -f1 file.txt

System Management

ps: Display processes. Example: ps aux

kill: Terminate a process. Example: kill -9 pid

top: Display the top processes. Example: top

Networking

ping: Send ICMP echo requests to network hosts. Example: ping google.com

ifconfig: Display or configure a network interface. Example: ifconfig eth0

netstat: Display network connections, routing tables, interface statistics, masquerade connections, and multicast memberships. Example: netstat -a

Common Interview Questions and Answers

Question: What is the difference between ‘cp’ and ‘mv’ commands?

Answer: The ‘cp’ command is used to copy files and directories from one location to another, while the ‘mv’ command is used to move files and directories or rename them. If you move a file using ‘mv’, it is physically moved; if you copy a file using ‘cp’, a duplicate is created at the destination.

Question: How can you find out the size of a directory and its contents?

Answer: You can use the ‘du’ command to find out the size of a directory and its contents. For example, du -sh /path/to/directory will display the size of the directory in a human-readable format.

Question: What is the purpose of the ‘chmod’ command?

Answer: The ‘chmod’ command is used to change the permissions of files and directories in Linux. It allows you to specify the permissions for the owner, group, and others, using symbols like ‘+’, ‘-‘, and ‘=’ to add, remove, or set permissions.

Conclusion

Mastering Linux commands is essential for anyone looking to excel in server and VPS management. By familiarizing yourself with the commands highlighted in this article, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the technical challenges of an interview. Remember, practice is key, so don’t hesitate to experiment with these commands on a virtual machine or a test server to reinforce your learning.