terminal-basics.md

layout	default
title	Terminal Basics
parent	Setup
nav_order	2
permalink	/setup/terminal/

Terminal Basics

Purpose	macOS/Linux	Windows PowerShell
Show current folder	pwd	Get-Location
List files	ls	Get-ChildItem
Enter a folder	cd folder	cd folder
Move up	cd ..	cd ..
Create a folder	mkdir folder	mkdir folder
Clear screen	clear	Clear-Host
Run a Python file	python3 hello.py or python hello.py	python hello.py or py hello.py

You do not need to memorize every command. Learn enough to move around your project and run Python files.

Terminal prompt versus Python prompt

The terminal prompt waits for operating-system commands. The Python interactive prompt displays >>> and waits for Python code.

terminal command:  python hello.py
Python prompt:     >>> print("Hello")

If you see >>> and want to return to the terminal, type exit() and press Enter.

A safe practice routine

1. Use pwd/Get-Location to check the current folder.
2. Use ls/Get-ChildItem to check that the .py file is there.
3. Run the file with your working Python command.
4. Read any error from its final line upward.

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