Science IT: Linux Command Line

The goal of the Linux Command Line course offered by Science IT is to introduce the basics of controlling a computer exclusively through text based inputs.

The command line itself, called a "Shell" or a "Terminal" depending on the context, is how users control ScienceCloud virtual machines as well as how users manage data and submit jobs on ScienceCluster. The course itself can be understood as a mini-class on the basics of the Bash programming language (the name "Bash" stands for "Bourne Again SHell") as well as the Linux operating system.

In this course you will learn the basics of hierarchical tree filesystems, how to view and manipulating files on these systems, how to format and input Bash commands, and much more. If you're a user of the ScienceCloud or the ScienceCluster, or if you're a researcher who needs to optimize the use of your (Unix based) personal computer, you will likely benefit from this course.

Make sure to have your laptop computer ready and to fulfill the course requirements described below.

The materials that will be used during the course can be found here.
 

General information

Duration 2.5 hours
  • Command line / Shell fundamental concepts
  • Command syntax and usage
    • Flags
    • Special Symbols
  • Filesystem structure and concepts
    • Paths
    • Dotfiles
    • Permissions
  • File manipulation
    • Text files
    • Binary files
    • File transfer
  • Commonly used commands
  • Additional Information:
    • Linux Operating System (as a context)
    • Basics of shell scripting
No previous experience with the Linux command line is expected.
  • This is an online course: If not directly connected to the UZH-internal network, you will need to use the UZH VPN in order to access the virtual machine used in the course. You can find more information on the UZH VPN here.
      Note for Windows users: Windows 10 or newer is expected.
        Contact Science IT if you have an older version.

By participating in this training you agree to follow the UZH Regulations on the Use of IT Resources (REIM). Please familiarize yourself with these regulations, as well as the security guidelines, and conduct yourself accordingly: https://www.zi.uzh.ch/en/staff/it-security/guidelines-and-security-rules.html

Dates

Code Instructor Dates Available seats Venue
HS25-UCLC-06 Routh Devin
Akbulut Emre
Albai Daniel
Briskine Roman
Bukatz Bastian
d’Errico Maria
Dubiel Mateusz
Oliveira de Carvalho Nickollas
Rogers Paul
Tue 13 January 2026 (02:00pm - 04:30pm)
15 Online Course Register
FS26-UCLC-02 Routh Devin
Akbulut Emre
Albai Daniel
Briskine Roman
Bukatz Bastian
d’Errico Maria
Dubiel Mateusz
Oliveira de Carvalho Nickollas
Rogers Paul
Tue 10 February 2026 (02:00pm - 04:30pm)
20 Online Course Register
FS26-UCLC-03 Routh Devin
Akbulut Emre
Albai Daniel
Briskine Roman
Bukatz Bastian
d’Errico Maria
Dubiel Mateusz
Oliveira de Carvalho Nickollas
Rogers Paul
Tue 10 March 2026 (02:00pm - 04:30pm)
20 Online Course Register
FS26-UCLC-04 Routh Devin
Akbulut Emre
Albai Daniel
Briskine Roman
Bukatz Bastian
d’Errico Maria
Dubiel Mateusz
Oliveira de Carvalho Nickollas
Rogers Paul
Tue 14 April 2026 (02:00pm - 04:30pm)
20 Online Course Register
FS26-UCLC-05 Routh Devin
Akbulut Emre
Albai Daniel
Briskine Roman
Bukatz Bastian
d’Errico Maria
Dubiel Mateusz
Oliveira de Carvalho Nickollas
Rogers Paul
Tue 12 May 2026 (02:00pm - 04:30pm)
20 Online Course Register
FS26-UCLC-06 Routh Devin
Akbulut Emre
Albai Daniel
Briskine Roman
Bukatz Bastian
d’Errico Maria
Dubiel Mateusz
Oliveira de Carvalho Nickollas
Rogers Paul
Tue 09 June 2026 (02:00pm - 04:30pm)
20 Online Course Register