10 Linux keyboard shortcuts I use every day

For me, Linux is essentially the most environment friendly and efficient working system in the marketplace. Not solely is it extremely customizable, but it surely additionally works nicely for individuals who choose to maintain their arms on the keyboard, as an alternative of shifting backwards and forwards between keyboard and mouse.

To efficiently try this, one should know the keyboard shortcuts that finest swimsuit their wants. Linux is rife with keyboard shortcuts — these which are out there to you’ll depend upon the distribution/desktop setting you employ. 

Additionally: 5 best Linux commands for troubleshooting problems (and how I use them)

Although not each keyboard shortcut is common in Linux, a number of cross the demarcation line between desktop environments. Let’s discover those I exploit day by day.

1. copy/paste

This may appear to be the no-brainer of keyboard shortcuts as a result of it at all times works the identical whatever the OS you are utilizing (excluding Android and iOS). To repeat chosen textual content, use Ctrl+C, and to stick copied take a look at, use Ctrl+V. 

However there’s one other copy/paste shortcut you must learn about: When you spotlight textual content in Linux utilizing your mouse, you may then paste that textual content by clicking the center mouse button. Even higher, you may copy one string of textual content with Ctrl+C after which spotlight one other string of textual content together with your mouse, and each strings will be pasted with Ctrl+V and the center mouse button paste characteristic.

2. Terminal shortcuts

As a result of I exploit the terminal quite a bit, I depend upon sure keyboard shortcuts. Remember the fact that the shortcuts you employ will depend upon the app. I exploit the Nano editor day by day and depend upon sure shortcuts inside that app, reminiscent of:

• Ctrl+C – shows the present line quantity
• Ctrl+X – saves the file
• Ctrl+A – goes to the start of the present line
• Ctrl+E – goes to the top of the present line
• Ctrl+W – opens the nano search operate

Additionally: 5 Linux commands to use for quickly viewing the content of files

Outdoors of nano, I additionally use the next shortcuts:

• Ctrl+C – closes the at present working app or script
• Ctrl+Z – suspends a at present working program
• Ctrl+D – logs you out of the present terminal
• Ctrl+L – clears the terminal display screen (identical because the clear command)
• Ctrl+U – erases every part from the cursor place to the start of the road
• Ctrl+P – view the earlier command

3. Open app menus

While you’re utilizing an app, hit Alt+F to open the app menu. This can open the menu farthest to the left. You may then use your cursor keys to maneuver one menu to the best and maintain shifting till you discover the menu you need. Use your up/down cursor keys to navigate up and down the menu.

4. Ctrl+Q

Need to stop the present app with out shifting your hand to the mouse? Use the Ctrl+Q keyboard shortcut. In some desktop environments (reminiscent of Pop!_OS), the shortcut is Tremendous+Q.

5. Open the run dialog

If you wish to run a command with out having to open a terminal window first, you may open what’s known as the run dialog. Hit the Alt+F2 key mixture — as soon as this dialog is open, you may run a command.  

Additionally: 5 Linux commands for quickly finding the system information you need to know

6. Cycle by way of open home windows

You probably have a number of home windows open and also you need to convey focus to a specific one, hit the Alt+Tab keyboard mixture to cycle by way of these apps.

7. Open the desktop menu

This one will rely in your desktop setting, however many Linux desktops are configured in order that the Tremendous key opens the desktop menu.

8. Undo/Redo

Simply because it does on MacOS and Home windows, the Ctrl+Z mixture will undo no matter you simply did, and Ctrl+Shift+Z will redo it.

9. Open the file supervisor

Hit Tremendous+F to open your file supervisor. 

10.  Sign off of the terminal app

For instance you have safe shell-ed right into a server and also you need to rapidly log off. As an alternative of closing no matter app you are utilizing after which typing exit, merely hit the Ctrl+D keyboard shortcut, and you will be immediately logged out.

Additionally: 5 first-rate Linux distros for power users (or anyone seeking a challenge)

These keyboard shortcuts assist maintain me shifting all through my day — hopefully, a number of of them will assist make your life a bit extra environment friendly.