Is it possible to practice Linux commands on a Mac?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is indeed possible to practice Linux commands on a Mac. MacOS is actually built on a Unix-based system, which means you can use most of the Linux commands directly in your Mac's Terminal. This makes it a handy tool for Mac users who want to learn Linux or need to use Linux commands for various tasks.
🖥️ Let's Dive into the Terminal on Your Mac!The Terminal app on your Mac is a gateway to the Unix part of the system, and it's where you can enter Linux commands. To access it, simply go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal. Once it's open, you can start typing commands just like you would in a Linux environment.
Using the 'ls -l' CommandLet's start with a simple command. The 'ls -l' command is used to list all the files and directories in the current directory in a long format. Here's how you can use it:ls -lAfter typing this command and pressing enter, you'll see a list of all the files and directories in your current directory, along with their permissions, the number of links, the owner, the group, the size, and the time of the last modification.For instance, the "ls -l" command will list all the files and directories in your current location, along with detailed information such as file permissions, number of links, owner, group, size, and time of last modification. This is just one of the many Linux commands you can run on a Mac.
🐧 Bringing the Linux Vibe to Your Mac!If you want a more authentic Linux experience on your Mac, you can install a Linux environment using tools like Homebrew or MacPorts, or even run a full-fledged Linux distribution in a virtual machine with software like VirtualBox or VMware Fusion.
🍺 Homebrew & ⚓ MacPorts: Your Linux on Mac HelpersHomebrew and MacPorts are package managers for MacOS that allow you to install Linux software directly on your Mac. They are handy tools for developers and power users who need to use specific Linux applications or tools.
If you want a more authentic Linux experience on your Mac, you can install a Linux environment using tools like Homebrew and MacPorts. To get started, you can refer to the

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Recommendation
        Tweak Your Mac Terminal: The Simple guide to HomeBrew for the macOS
        
            $0.00

See more recommendations
						
book, which provides a simple guide to HomeBrew for macOS. This guide will help you navigate through the installation process and get you up and running with Linux commands on your Mac.
🌐 Running Full Linux Distro on Mac with Virtual Machines
Virtual machines, on the other hand, allow you to run a full Linux distribution on your Mac. This is useful if you want to immerse yourself in the Linux environment and practice Linux commands as if you were using a real Linux machine.
Now, let's delve into the process of setting up a full Linux distribution on your Mac using VirtualBox. The following video tutorial will guide you through the steps.

Once you've set up your Linux environment on your Mac, you can start practicing Linux commands as if you were using a real Linux machine. Let's move on to some resources that can help you learn Linux commands.
📚 Your Starter Pack for Mastering Linux Commands
If you're new to Linux or need a refresher on Linux commands, there are plenty of resources available. Here are a few that I recommend:
Top Learning Resources for Linux Commands

The Linux Command Line: A Complete Introduction by William Shotts
    Linux Command Line and Shell Scripting Bible by Richard Blum and Christine Bresnahan
    Introduction to the Command Line (Second Edition): The Fat Free Guide to Unix and Linux Commands by Nicholas Marsh

In addition to these books, you can check out online resources like this guide to starting with Linux or this tutorial on learning the Linux command line.
Linux Commands on Mac QuizTest your knowledge about practicing Linux commands on a Mac.window["64c7aa9836dff64c7aa9836e04-caa2ee0d95f96bcaada63a89c07b9bd8"] = {"questions":[{"q":"Is it possible to practice Linux commands on a Mac?","options":["Yes","No"],"correctIndex":0,"correctResponse":"Correct! MacOS is built on a Unix-based system, making it possible to practice Linux commands.","incorrectResponse":"Incorrect. MacOS is built on a Unix-based system, making it possible to practice Linux commands."},{"q":"What is the Terminal app on Mac used for?","options":["To enter Linux commands","To install new apps","To browse the internet","To play games"],"correctIndex":0,"correctResponse":"Correct! The Terminal app on Mac is used to enter Linux commands.","incorrectResponse":"Incorrect. The Terminal app on Mac is used to enter Linux commands."},{"q":"What does the 'ls -l' command do in Linux?","options":["It deletes a file","It lists all the files and directories in your current location","It moves a file to a new location","It creates a new directory"],"correctIndex":1,"correctResponse":"Correct! The 'ls -l' command lists all the files and directories in your current location.","incorrectResponse":"Incorrect. The 'ls -l' command lists all the files and directories in your current location."},{"q":"What are Homebrew and MacPorts used for?","options":["To install Linux software on Mac","To run Windows software on Mac","To delete files on Mac","To create a virtual machine on Mac"],"correctIndex":0,"correctResponse":"Correct! Homebrew and MacPorts are used to install Linux software on Mac.","incorrectResponse":"Incorrect. Homebrew and MacPorts are used to install Linux software on Mac."},{"q":"What is the purpose of a virtual machine?","options":["To delete files","To run a full Linux distribution on your Mac","To install new apps","To play games"],"correctIndex":1,"correctResponse":"Correct! A virtual machine allows you to run a full Linux distribution on your Mac.","incorrectResponse":"Incorrect. A virtual machine allows you to run a full Linux distribution on your Mac."}]};
Learn more about 🧠 Linux Commands on Mac Quiz 🖥️ or discover other DG Micro quizzes.
Recommended Products

Our Recommendation
        Music Software Bundle for Recording, Editing, Beat Making & Production - DAW, VST Audio Plugins, Sounds for Mac & Windows PC
        
            $19.95

Our Recommendation
        Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Pro Edition | Run Windows on Mac Virtual Machine Software | 1 Year Subscription [Mac Key Card]
        
            $119.99

Our Recommendation
        MixPad Multitrack Recording Software for Sound Mixing and Music Production Free [Mac Download]
        
            $0.00

Our Recommendation
        SYNERLOGIC (3pk) MacOS M1+Intel Monterey/Big Sur/Catalina/Mojave Keyboard Shortcuts, Clear Vinyl Sticker, No-Residue Adhesive, for 13-16" MacBook Pro/Air/Mac Mini/iMac
        
            $8.49

Our Recommendation
        Tweak Your Mac Terminal: The Simple guide to HomeBrew for the macOS
        
            $0.00

Our Recommendation
        WavePad Free Audio Editor – Create Music and Sound Tracks with Audio Editing Tools and Effects [Download]

3.7 (1319+ Reviews)

$0.00

Our Recommendation
        Phomemo Label Makers- Barcode Label Printer M221 3 Inch Label Maker Bluetooth Thermal Printer for Small Business/Home Use, for Barcode, Address, Logo, Stickers, Compatible with Phone & PC, Gray
        
            $89.99

Our Recommendation
        Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands

4.7 (1522+ Reviews)

$13.79

Our Recommendation
        Phomemo M220 Label Maker, Upgrade 3 Inch Barcode Label Printer, Portable Sticker Maker Machine for Barcode, Name, Address, Labeling, Mailing, Home, Office & Small Business, Compatible with Phones&PC
        
            $86.99

Our Recommendation
        Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Gaming, Streaming, Podcasting, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, Recording for PC and Mac, 4 Polar Patterns, Studio Quality Sound, Plug & Play-Blackout

4.7 (31931+ Reviews)

$99.97

Our Recommendation
        Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac | Run Windows on Mac Virtual Machine Software | 1 Year Subscription [Mac Download]
        
            $99.99

Our Recommendation
        Black walnut desktop stand is suitable for Mac Mini and Mac Studio, and the heat dissipation and dust proof base is suitable for Mac Mini M1 M2 host accessories (second generation upgrade anti slip)
        
            $24.80

Our Recommendation
        Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Pro Edition | Run Windows on Mac Virtual Machine Software | 1 Year Subscription [Mac Download]
        
            $99.99

Our Recommendation
        Hagibis USB-C Hub with Dual Hard Drive Enclosure & Monitor Stand Riser for iMac 2021, Mac Mini M1, MacBook Pro PC Laptop Computer Dock with M.2 NVMe NGFF, 2.5inch SATA (ZD1 Pro)
        
            $119.99

Our Recommendation
        SYNERLOGIC Mac OS (Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur/Catalina/Mojave) Keyboard Shortcuts, M1/M2/Intel No-Residue Clear Vinyl Sticker, Compatible with 13-16-inch MacBook Air and Pro
        
            $5.95

Our Recommendation
        Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Education Edition | Run Windows on Mac Virtual Machine Software | 1 Year Subscription [Mac Key Card]
        
            $59.99

Our Recommendation
        USB-C Hub with Hard Drive Enclosure, Hagibis Type-C Docking Station & Stand for Mac Mini M2, Mac Studio M1 Max Ultra with SATA, USB 3.0, SD/TF Card Reader and USB2.0 for Laptop (MC25 Silver)
        
            $54.99

Our Recommendation
        INEAN Linux Commands Line Mousepads [Mouse Pad], Over 200 Linux Commands Mouse-pad, for Mac OS/Red Hat/Ubuntu/OpenSUSE/Arch/Debian and Other Unix or Linux
        
            $26.50

Our Recommendation
        BREWING GUIDE
        
            $6.95

Our Recommendation
        Parallels Desktop Pro 16 for Mac | Run Windows on Mac Virtual Machine Software | 1-Year Subscription [Mac Download] [Old Version]

Our Recommendation
        Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Island

Our Recommendation
        Mastering MacOS Terminal: Understand Command Line for MacOS Terminal
        
            $9.99

Our Recommendation
        Macintosh Terminal Pocket Guide: Take Command of Your Mac
        
            $19.88

Our Recommendation
        Tweak Your Mac Terminal: Command Line macOS
        
            $22.61

Our Recommendation
        USB-C Hub with Hard Drive Enclosure for Mac Mini M2 M1, Type C Docking Station with SATA SSD/HDD Slot, Dual USB 3.0/2.0 Port, TF/SD Card Readers, Compatible with Mac Mini 2018/2020
        
            $71.99

Our Recommendation
        Excel Formulas (Quick Study Computer) Excel Formulas (Quick Study Computer)
        
            $5.95

Our Recommendation
        VAYDEER Mac Mini Stand Space Gray ABS Plastic Dock for Mac Mini, 8-in-1 Dock Station Holder with Power Adapter, USB 3.0 Ports/USB Hub for Data Transfer TF/SD Card Reader HDD/SSD Slot Audio Jack
        
            $69.99

Our Recommendation
        Take Control of the Mac Command Line with Terminal, 3rd Edition
        
            $14.99

Our Recommendation
        Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac Student Edition | Run Windows on Mac Virtual Machine Software | 1 Year Subscription [Mac Download]
        
            $49.99

Is it possible to practice Linux commands on a Mac?

🖥️ Let's Dive into the Terminal on Your Mac!

Using the 'ls -l' Command

🐧 Bringing the Linux Vibe to Your Mac!

🍺 Homebrew & ⚓ MacPorts: Your Linux on Mac Helpers

🌐 Running Full Linux Distro on Mac with Virtual Machines

📚 Your Starter Pack for Mastering Linux Commands

Top Learning Resources for Linux Commands

Linux Commands on Mac Quiz

Recommended Products

Categories

Search

Popular Articles

Never Miss A Post!

Share this article

Recent FAQs

People also asked

DG Micro Articles

Share Us