What is Linux, Terminal and Bash?

Welcome to the course! If you've enrolled here, chances are you're interested in learning the Linux operating system and may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by that complex, hacker-like tool known as the Terminal. But don't worry — it's not rocket science, and it'll become much simpler as you move through this course.

Let's start by clarifying what all these terms — Linux, Bash, and Terminal — actually mean and how they're connected. Watch the video, and it'll all make sense in no time!

So, let's recap what you should grasp before starting the course.

Linux

Linux is a widely-used operating system known for its stability, security, and adaptability. As an open-source OS, Linux's code is freely accessible and modifiable, leading to a robust global community contributing to its development.

Often used in servers, development environments, and even embedded systems, Linux powers much of today's digital infrastructure, making it essential for developers, data scientists, and IT professionals.

Terminal

The Terminal serves as a command-line interface (CLI), allowing direct access to Linux's core functionality through typed commands.

Unlike a graphical interface, the Terminal offers speed and flexibility — from file management to complex system configurations, enabling users to execute commands and automate repetitive tasks effectively.

Bash

Bash (short for Bourne Again Shell) is a scripting language and the default shell in many Linux distributions. Acting as the intermediary between you and the operating system, Bash interprets and runs commands input in the Terminal.

It supports scripting and process management, allowing users to create complex scripts for tasks automation, system maintenance, and process optimization, significantly enhancing productivity.

The terms shell, Bash, and Terminal are often used interchangeably, and while they're closely related, confusing them isn't a major issue — most people will still understand. However, if you'd like to distinguish them accurately, here's a straightforward breakdown:

• A shell is a command interpreter that takes user input and executes corresponding operating system commands.
• Bash is a specific type of shell with its own unique command syntax, which may differ from other shell types.
• The Terminal is an application that provides the shell's command-line interface. It acts as a graphical user interface (GUI) for the shell, allowing users to input commands.

Each of these components can have various implementations depending on the system configuration. A common setup might involve a Linux operating system, a default Terminal application from the Linux distribution, and Bash as the shell for executing commands. This is exactly what you receive when you install Ubuntu, the most popular Linux distribution.