2.2. Time-saving Tips

2.2.1. Tab Completion

The tab completion feature in bash permits typing a partial command or path, then pressing the TAB key to auto-complete the sequence. When multiple completions are possible, pressing the TAB key again lists them all.

2.2.2. Keyboard Shortcuts

Key

Description

C

CTRL (control)

M

META (meta): usually ALT, OPT or ESC

Shortcut

Description

C-a

Move the cursor to the beginning of the line.

C-e

Move the cursor to the end of the line.

C-f

Move the cursor forward (right) one character.

M-f

Move the cursor forward (right) one word.

C-b

Move the cursor backward (left) one character.

M-b

Move the cursor backward (left) one word.

Try this!

Try these shortcuts on Odin. Your experience navigating throughout the system and working with commands will be significantly less frustrating if you take the time to learn and practice these shortcuts.