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Tutorial3: Advanced File Management / Quoting Special Characters

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{{Admon/caution|DO NOT USE THIS VERSION OF THE LAB. This page will no longer be updated.|'''New version here:''' https://seneca-ictoer.github.io/ULI101/A-Tutorials/tutorial3<br />'''Andrew's students please go here:''' http://wiki.littlesvr.ca/wiki/OPS145_Lab_3}}
=ADVANCED UNIX / LINUX FILE MANAGEMENT=
===Main Objectives of this Practice Tutorial===
:* Understand the difference between '''absolute''' / , '''relative''' / and '''relative-to-home''' pathnames
:* Become productive using various at issuing Linux commands with the most appropriate pathname types for Unix/Linux File Management
:* Understand the following Use '''Ambiguous Filename expansionExpansion''' ('''FNE''') Symbols: '''*''' / , '''?''' / , '''[ ]''' / , '''[! ]'''
:* Become productive using FNE for Unix/Linux File Management :* Understanding Use '''quotation symbols: Backslash \ , single quotes ' ' , double quotes " " :* Understand the purpose of quoting ' treat special characters for File Management and as just '''text''' when issuing Linux commands.
:* Understand the quotation symbols: '''Backslash \''' , '''single quotes ' '''' and '''double quotes " "'''
<br><br>
===Tutorial Reference Material===
|colspan="1" style="font-size:16px;font-weight:bold;border-bottom: thin solid black;border-spacing:0px;"|Course Notes<br>
|colspan="2" style="font-size:16px;font-weight:bold;border-bottom: thin solid black;border-spacing:0px;padding-left:15px;"|Pathname Type / FNE Filename Expansion / Quoting Reference<br>
|colspan="1" style="font-size:16px;font-weight:bold;border-bottom: thin solid black;border-spacing:0px;padding-left:15px;"|YouTube Videos<br>
|- valign="top" style="padding-left:15px;"
|colspan="1" width="22%" |Course '''Slides:'''<ul><li>Week 3 Lecture 1 Notes:<ulbr> [https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/uli101/slides/ULI101-3.1.pdf PDF] | [https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/uli101/slides/ULI101-3.1.pptx PPTX]</li><li>Week 3 Lecture 2 Notes:<br>[https://ictwiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/~uli101/notesslides/Week02ULI101-3.2.pdf PDF] | [https://ictwiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/~uli101/notesslides/Week02ULI101-3.2.pptx PPTX]<br></li></ul>
| style="padding-left:15px;" |'''Pathname Types/ Filename Expansion:'''
* [https://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/understanding-absolute-pathnames/ Absolute]<br>
* [httphttps://www.ugradoreilly.math.ubc.cacom/library/view/web-design-in/Flat0596009879/relpathch04s02s02.html Relative]<br>
* [https://stackoverflow.com/questions/24048533/unix-simple-what-is-a-relative-to-home-pathname Relative-to-home]<br>
Ambiguous * [https://docstore.mik.ua/orelly/linux/run/ch04_08.htm#:~:text=Another%20way%20to%20save%20time,is%20sometimes%20called%20%22globbing.%22 Filename Expansion Symbols] | style="padding-left:15px;"|'''Quoting Special Characters:'''* Asterisk [http://tldp.org/LDP/Bash-Beginners-Guide/html/sect_03_03.html Backslash '''\''' , Single ''' ' ' ''' , Double '''" "''']<br>'''Linux Commands:'''* [https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/echo.1.html echo] |colspan="1" style="padding-left:15px;" width="30%"|'''Instructional Videos:'''<ul><li>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ephId3mYu9o Pathname Types]</li> <li>[https://youtu.be/5FQnehwzwSM Filename Expansion Examples]</li><li>[https://youtu.be/3quKLqUFGHo Relative, Absolute, Question and Relative-to-Home Filepaths]</li> <li>[https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=mzgfE6-ZtUY Quoting Special Characters]</li></ul> |} = KEY CONCEPTS = ===Pathname Types=== As previously mentioned, a '''pathname is a fully-specified location of a unique filename''' within a file system.<br>The concept of a pathname relates to every operating system including: ''Unix, Linux, MS-DOS,  MS-Windows, Apple-Macintosh,'' etc. Last week, Character Class we used a pathname from our home directory to create and manipulate directories and text files.<br>There are '''different types of file pathnames''' that we can use to access a directory or text file. '''For Example:'''<br><span style="font-family:courier">/home/userid/uli101/cars.txt</span> ('''absolute pathname''')<br><span style="font-family:courier">samples/cars.txt</span> ('''relative pathname''')<br><span style="font-family:courier">~/cars.txt</span> ('''relative-to-home pathname''') These types of file pathnames can make it more efficient (i.e. less keystrokes for users to type) when issuing Unix and Linux commands.   ====Absolute Pathnames==== <table align="right"><tr><td>[[ Image:absolute-path-2.png|thumb|right|250px|The directory in red displays the FULL path from the '''root''' directory to the '''bin''' directory (i.e. the absolute pathname: '''/bin'''.]] </td><td>[[! Image:absolute-path-1.png|thumb|right|250px|Directories in red display the FULL path from the '''root''' directory to the '''examples''' directory (i.e. the absolute pathname: '''/home/your-user-id/uli101/examples'''.]]</td></tr></table> An '''absolute pathname''' is a path to a file or directory always<br>'''beginning from the root directory (i.e. / )'''.
| style="padding-left:15px;"|Quotation Symbols* [http://tldp.org/LDP/Bash-Beginners-Guide/html/sect_03_03.html Backslash This type of pathname is referred to as '''\absolute''' , * Single ''because the pathname always begins from the '' 'root directory''' , * Double regardless the location or your current directory. In other words, this type of pathname requires that you always provide the '''" "FULL''']<br>pathname starting with the root directory.
|colspan="1" style="padding-left:15px;" width="30%"|Instructional Videos:<ul><li>Using Pathname Types</li><li>Filename Expansion</li><li>Quoting Special Characters</li></ul>
|}''Advantages of using Absolute Pathnames:'' :* Useful if you do not know your current directory location:* Understand the location of file within the filesystem.
===Absolute / Relative / Relative-To-Home Pathnames===
x''Examples:''<br><span style="color:blue;font-family:courier;">ls /bin<br>ls /home/your-user-id/uli101/examples</span>
<br><br>
===Ambiguous Filename Expansion=Relative Pathnames====
x<table align="right"><tr><td>[[Image:relative-pathname-1.png|thumb|right|250px|Directories in red display the path from the current directory location (which is '''xyz100''') to the '''bin''' directory (i.e. the relative pathname: '''../../../bin'''.]]</td><td>[[Image:relative-pathname-2.png|thumb|right|250px|Directories in red display the path from the current directory location (which is '''uli101''') to the '''examples''' directory (i.e. the relative pathname: '''uli101/examples''' or ./uli101/examples]]</td></tr></table>A '''relative pathname''' is a path to a file or directory that begins from your '''current''' directory. This is called relative because it is used to locate a specific file <u>relative</u> to your current directory. '''NOTE:''' In order to use relative pathnames, it is <u>absolutely necessary</u> that you know the '''location''' of your '''current directory'''!  ''Relative Pathname Symbols:'' :'''<span style="font-size:1.5em;">.</span> &nbsp; ''' A period symbol "." represents the '''current''' directory:'''<span style="font-size:1.5em;">..</span>''' Two consecutive period symbols ".." represents the '''parent''' directory &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (i.e. one level up)  ''Advantages of using Relative Pathnames:'' :* Possible shorter pathname (less typing)  Examples: <br><span style="color:blue;font-family:courier;">ls ../../../bin</span><br><span style="color:blue;font-family:courier;">ls examples<br>ls ./examples</span>
<br><br>
 
====Relative-to-home Pathnames====
 
<table align="right"><tr><td>[[Image:relative-to-home-1.png|thumb|right|250px|Directories in red display the path from the home directory of the current user (which is '''userid''') to the '''examples''' directory (i.e. the relative-to-home pathname: '''~/uli101/examples'''.]]</td><td>[[Image:relative-to-home-2.png|thumb|right|250px|Directories in red display the path from another user's home directory location to their '''notes''' directory (i.e. the relative-to-home pathname: '''~jane/uli101/notes''']]</td></tr></table>
A '''relative-to-home pathname''' begins with the tilde character ( i.e. ~) to represent the user’s home directory.<br><br>
The tilde character '''~''' stores the path of the user’s home directory<br>(i.e. '''~ = /home/current-user-id''')<br><br>You can immediately place a username after the tilde to represent another user’s home directory (e.g. <span style="font-family:courier">'''~jane = /home/jane'''</span>)
 
 
Examples:<br><span style="color:blue;font-family:courier">ls ~/uli101/examples<br>ls ~murray.saul/uli101/notes</span>
 
 
'''NOTE:''' Deciding which '''type of pathname''' to use depends on many factors including: '''knowledge of current directory''', '''knowledge of directory structure''',<br>'''currently directory location''', and '''type of file management command''' that is being used.
<br><br>
 
===Filename Expansion===
 
When issuing Linux commands, it may be '''more efficient''' (less typing) to use '''filename expansion symbols'''<br>to match files that share similar characteristics (e.g. same file extension) when issuing Linux commands.
 
 
''Examples:''
 
You can use a special character to indicate to the Bash shell to match all files that end with the extension ".txt":
 
 
<span style="color:blue;font-family:courier;>'''ls *.txt'''<br>
a.txt b.txt c.txt 1.txt 2.txt 3.txt abc.txt work.txt</span>
 
 
Below are the most common Filename Expansion symbols and how they are used for filename expansion:
 
<table cellpadding="5"><tr><th style="border-bottom: 1px solid black;text-align:left;">Filename<br>Expansion<br>Symbol</th><th valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black;text-align:left;">Purpose</th></tr><tr><td>'''*'''</td><td>Asterisk (*) to represent '''0 or more characters'''</td></tr><tr><td>'''?'''</td><td>Question mark (?) to represent '''exactly one character (any character)'''</td></tr><tr><td>'''[ ]'''</td><td>Square brackets ([ ]) to represent and match for the <br>'''character enclosed within the square brackets'''.<br>It represents ONLY ONE character - it's like a<br>'''Question Mark (?)''' but with '''conditions or restrictions'''</td></tr><tr><td>'''[! ]'''</td><td>Square brackets containing an exclamation mark immediately after<br>the open square bracket ([! ]) to represent and match and<br>'''OPPOSITE''' character for the character enclosed within the square brackets.</td></tr></table>
===Quoting Special Characters===
xAs discussed in the above section, there are some special characters that the shell uses to perform<br>an operation; for example, the filename expansion symbols: '''*''' or '''?'''  There are '''3 methods''' to make those special characters '''act only like text characters'''<br>when issuing Linux commands (displayed in chart below): <table cellpadding="5"><tr><th style="border-bottom: 1px solid black;text-align:left;">Quoting Method</th><th style="border-bottom: 1px solid black;text-align:left;">Example</th></tr><tr><td>Place the character '''\''' <u>before</u> a special character</td><td><span style="font-family:courier">'''echo \*'''</span></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>Contain special characters within '''double-quotes'''<br>'''NOTE:''' Double quotes works for most special<br>characters, but not all special characters (such as $)<br></td><td><span style="font-family:courier">'''echo "* hello *"'''</span></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>Contain Special character within single '''quotes'''<br>(Quotes out ALL special characters)</td><td><span style="font-family:courier">'''echo '* hello *''''</span></td></tr></table>
=INVESTIGATION 1: ABSOLUTE / RELATIVE / RELATIVE-TO-HOME PATHNAMES=
X <span style="color:red;">'''ATTENTION''': This online tutorial will be required to be completed by '''Friday in week 4 by midnight''' to obtain a grade of '''2%''' towards this course</span><br><br>
[[Image:dir12.png|right|350px|thumb|]]
:The best way to learn about different types of file pathnames is to use them while issuing<br>Linux commands and see which pathnames (or combination of pathnames) is the '''<u>most</u> efficient'''<br>(i.e. requiring the '''least number of keystrokes''').  '''Perform the Following Steps:''' # '''Login''' to your matrix account.<br><br># Issue a command to '''confirm''' you are located in your home directory.<br><br>Let's create the following directory structure under your home directory by issuing the mkdir command using only absolute pathnames.<br><br># Issue the following Linux command to create the directory structure displayed to the right using '''absolute pathnames''':<br><br>'''NOTE:''' Just continue typing and let the text continue of separate lines. Remeber to replace the text "youruserid" with your actual Seneca-id.<br><br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">mkdir -p /home/youruserid/tutorial3/practice/commands /home/youruserid/tutorial3/practice/examples /home/youruserid/tutorial3/notes/lesson1 /home/youruserid/tutorial3/notes/lesson2</span><br><br># Issue the following Linux command to confirm that you properly created the directory structure:<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">tree /home/youruserid/tutorial3</span><br><br>You should notice that using absolute pathnames with this Linux command '''requires a lot of typing'''.<br>Let's '''remove''' this directory structure, and issue the same command using a ''relative-to-home'' pathname instead.<br><br># To remove this directory structure, issue the following Linux command (enter "'''y'''" at each prompt to remove ALL contents):<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">rm -ri /home/youruserid/tutorial3</span><br><br># Issue a command tree command as you did in '''step #4''' to confirm that the directory structure has been removed.<br><br># Issue the following Linux command to create the same directory structure using relative-to-home pathnames:<br><br>'''NOTE:''' You usually generate the ~ character by Holding down '''SHIFT''' and press the button<br>to the <u>left</u> of the number '''1''' above the text on your keyboard.<br><br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">mkdir -p ~/tutorial3/practice/commands ~/tutorial3/practice/examples ~/tutorial3/notes/lesson1 ~/tutorial3/notes/lesson2</span><br><br>Did this command require less typing than the previous command using absolute pathnames?<br><br># Issue the '''tree''' command to confirm the directory structure was properly created.<br><br>Let's remove the '''tutorial3''' directory and its contents and issue the same command using '''relative pathnames'''.<br><br># Issue the same command as you did in '''step #5''' to remove the '''tutorial3''' directory and its contents safely.<br><br># Issue a Linux command to confirm you removed the '''tutorial3''' directory and its contents.<br><br># Issue the following Linux command to create the same directory structure using relative pathnames:<br><br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">mkdir -p tutorial3/practice/commands tutorial3/practice/examples tutorial3/notes/lesson1 tutorial3/notes/lesson2</span><br><br># Issue a command to verify that the proper directory structure was created.<br><br>'''QUESTION:''' Which '''mkdir''' command (pathname type) that you performed in steps '''3''' , '''7''' , and '''11''' required the <u>LEAST</u> number of keystrokes (i.e. characters)?<br><br> [[Image:dir13.png|right|350px|thumb|]]:You may think that issuing Linux file management commands are better using '''relative''' or<br>'''relative-to-home''' pathnames instead of '''absolute''' pathnames, but that is not always true.
:Since the '''current''' directory location was your '''home''' directory, then it makes sense to use ''relative'' or ''relative-to-home'' pathnames. On the other hand, what if we <u>changed</u> the location to a different directory?
# X:When performing the next series of steps, refer to the '''tree diagram''' on the right. Learning to reference a tree diagram on a '''quiz''', '''midterm''' or '''final exam''' can help to '''prevent errors and loss of marks!'''<br>
'''Perform the Following Steps:'''
# Make certain that your current directory is '''your home directory'''.<br><br>
# Since we will be running Linux commands depending on the directory structure that you have created, issue the following Linux command to verify you created it correctly:<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">~uli101/week3-check-1</span><br><br>
# If you encounter errors, make corrections and then re-run the checking script until you receive a congratulations message.<br><br>
# Issue a Linux command to change to the '''examples''' directory in your recently-created directory structure.<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cd tutorial3/practice/examples</span><br><br>
# Issue a Linux command to confirm you are located in the ''examples'' directory.<br><br>
# Remembering that we are located in the '''examples''' directory, issue the following Linux command<br>using a '''relative''' pathname to display files in the /bin directory: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls ../../../../../bin</span><br><br>
# Now issue the following Linux command using an '''absolute''' pathname: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls /bin</span><br><br>Which type of pathname would be the best to use in this situation?<br><br>'''NOTE:''' Using the previous command using the '''relative-to-home''' pathname would work,<br> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; but it would look weird. Try to issue the command yourself!<br><br>
# Let's copy the file called ls which is contained in the '''/bin''' directory to your '''home''' directory by using the '''cp''' command.<br>First, issue the following Linux command to copy the ls command from the /bin directory to your home directory using absolute pathnames:<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cp /bin/ls /home/youruserid</span><br><br>
# Now let's issue the previous command using just relative pathname (remember, our current directory location is '''examples'''):<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cp ../../../../../bin/ls ../..</span><br><br>'''TIP:''' For relative pathnames that move up multiple parent directories such as these, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED<br>to view the tree diagram and check for the correct number of .. symbols. Students commonly make mistakes<br>and lose marks on these type of questions!<br><br>
# Let's issue the command using one absolute pathname and a relative pathname: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cp /bin/ls ../..</span><br>What did this command do?<br><br>
# Let's issue the same command using one absolute pathname and a relative-to-home pathname: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cp /bin/ls ~</span><br>What did this command do?<br><br>Which of the following file type combinations requires the LEAST number of keystrokes to copy the ls file to your home directory?<br><br>
# Let's copy the '''ls''' file from the '''/bin''' directory to your <u>current</u> directory (i.e. examples): <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cp /bin/ls .</span><br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cp /bin/ls ./ls.bk</span><br><br>What does this command do?<br><br>Let's run a checking script to make certain you performed the a few of the recently-issued commands correctly.<br><br>
# Issue the following: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">~uli101/week3-check-2</span><br><br>
# If you encounter errors, make corrections and then re-run the checking script until you receive a congratulations message,<br>and proceed to the next INVESTIGATION.<br><br>
=INVESTIGATION 2: FILENAME EXPANSION=
xYou will now get practice issuing Linux file management commands using '''filename expansion symbols'''.<br>We will be using the directory structure that was created in the previous INVESTIGATION. A great way to practice filename expansion, use the '''touch''' command to create a lot of empty filenames,<br>write the '''ls''' Linux commands that use '''filename expansion''', predict the filenames that will be display,<br>and finally run the command to check your work.<br><br>
[[Image:dir12.png|right|350px|thumb|]]
:'''Perform the following steps:'''
# XIssue a Linux command to move to the '''examples''' directory<br>(i.e. under ''practice'' directory as shown in diagram to the right).<br><br># Issue a Linux command to confirmed that you have moved to the '''examples''' directory.<br><br># Issue the '''touch''' command to create the following empty text files in the ''examples'' directory:<br>(note ''upper'' and ''lowercase'' letters)<br><br><div style="font-family:courier;margin-left:50px;font-weight:bold;">abc.txt<br>def.text<br>hij.TxT<br>1a4.txt<br>123.TXT<br>456.txt<br>6u9.txt<br>ab2.html<br>1234.txt<br>abcdef.txt<br>abcde.txt<br><br></div><ol><li value="4">To verify that you properly created those files, issue the following:<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">~uli101/week3-check-3</span><br><br>If you encounter errors, then make corrections (eg. '''viewing directory contents''', '''check for correct filename syntax''',<br>'''case sensitivity''', '''missing files''', '''files in the wrong location''', etc.) and then re-run the checking script<br>until you receive a congratulations message, and then continue with this investigation.<br><br><span style="color:red;">'''ATTENTION''':<br>Learning to '''fix your mistakes''' by issuing Linux commands may be required if you make mistakes<br>in your online tutorial. </span><br><br><li>Issue the '''ls''' command to get a listing of files in your ''examples'' directory.<br><br>The output should look identical to the diagram displayed below.<br>You can refer to this listing to see all files so you can then predict the output from Linux commands that use filename expansion symbols.<br><br>[[Image:listing-1.png|left|650px|thumb|]]<br><br><br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command?<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls ???.txt</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer.<br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command?<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls ?????.txt</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer.<br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command?<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls ??????.txt</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer.<br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command?<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls [0-9].txt</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer.br>Did the command work?<br>What does this teach you about the character class [ ] symbol?<br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command?<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls [0-9][0-9][0-9].txt</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer.<br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command?<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls [a-z][a-z][a-z].txt</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer.<br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command (using character class with UPPERCASE letters)?:<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls [A-Z][A-Z][A-Z].txt</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer.<br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command (using character class using alpha-numeric characters)?<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls [a-zA-Z0-9][a-zA-Z0-9][a-zA-Z0-9].txt</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer.<br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command?<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls *.txt</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer. Did ALL text files get listed? Why not?<br><br></li><li>What do you think the output will be from the following Linux command?<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">ls *.[tT][xX][tT]</span><br>'''Write down the expected output''' on paper, then '''issue the command''' to check your answer. Did ALL text files get listed this time? If so, why?<br><br></li><li>'''NOTE:''' We have just been using filename expansion symbols just with the ls command.<br>Filename expansion symbols can be used for ANY Linux file management command (e.g. '''cat''', '''more''', '''less''', '''cp''', '''mv''', '''rm''', '''ls''', etc.).<br><br>Let's get some practice issuing these other Linux file management commands.<br><br></li><li>Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">file *.[tT][xX][tT]</span><br>What is the purpose of this command? Which files are contained in this output?<br><br><li>[[Image:dir12.png|right|350px|thumb|]]Change to the '''commands''' directory using an '''absolute''' pathname<br>(use the diagram on right-side for reference).<br><br></li><li>Issue a Linux command to confirm that you are now in the '''commands''' directory.<br><br></li><li>Issue the following Linux command (lowercase "l" NOT the number "1"):<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cp /bin/l* &nbsp; .</span><br>View the contents of the contents directory. What did this command do?<br><br></li><li>Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">rm *</span><br><br>View the contents of the contents directory. What did this command do?<br><br></li><li>Issue the following Linux command (lowercase "l" NOT the number "1"):<br> <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cp /bin/l? &nbsp; .</span><br>View the contents of the contents directory. What did this command do?<br><br></li><li>Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">rm l[!s]</span><br>View the contents of the contents directory. What did this command do?<br><br></li><li>Use a text editor (nano or vi) to create the file called '''ab''' in the '''commands''' directory that contains the line of text below,<br>and then save editing changes to this file:<br><span style="font-family:courier;">This is file ab</span><br><br></li><li>Use a text editor (nano or vi) to create the file called '''cd''' in the '''commands''' directory that contains the line of text below,<br>and then save editing changes to this file:<br><span style="font-family:courier;">This is file cd</span><br><br></li><li>Use a text editor (nano or vi) to create the file called '''ef''' in the '''commands''' directory that contains the line of text below,<br>and then save editing changes to this file:<br><span style="font-family:courier;">This is file ef</span><br><br></li><li>Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cat ??</span><br><br>View the contents of the contents directory. What did this command do? Why does the output look strange?<br><br>'''NOTE:''' Press the keys '''ctrl-c''' to return to the shell prompt.<br><br></li><li>Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cat [!l][!s]</span><br><br>View the contents of the contents directory. What did this command do? Does the output look better? If so, why?<br><br></li></ol> : Proceed to the next INVESTIGATION.<br><br>
= INVESTIGATION 3: QUOTING SPECIAL CHARACTERS =
As discussed in the above investigation, there are some special characters that the shell uses to perform an operation<br>including the filename expansion symbol: '''*''' 
 
There is a method make the shell '''ignore the purpose of special characters''' and treat as '''regular text'''.
xIn this investigation, you will learn '''three unique methods''' to quote special characters.
:'''Perform the Following Steps:'''
[[Image:quotation.png|right|350px|thumb|Using quotation to make the shell '''ignore the purpose of special characters''' and treat as '''regular text'''.]]
# Issue a Linux command to confirmed that you are still in the '''commands''' directory<br>(if not, change to the ''commands'' directory and confirm).<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">echo hello there</span><br><br>'''NOTE:''' the '''echo''' command is used to display text onto your terminal.<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">echo * hello *</span><br><br>What happened? What is shown in addition to the text "hello".<br>Why do you think those filenames are also being displayed?<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">echo \* hello \*</span><br><br>What do you notice? What does the \ character do?<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">echo "* hello *"</span><br><br>Is there a difference between this command and the previous command?<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">echo '* hello *'</span><br><br>Is there any difference between this command and the two previous commands?<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">echo $USER</span><br><br>'''NOTE''': The environment variable '''USER''' contains the current user's login name.<br>The '''$''' character immediately followed by the environment variable name causes it to<br>expand to the '''value''' that the variable contains.<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command (using single quotes): <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">echo '* $USER *'</span><br><br>What happened? Why is the output display like this?<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command (using double quotes): <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">echo "* $USER *"</span><br><br>What happened? Why?<br><br>
# Let's use quoting special characters for a couple of other commands. Move to the '''lesson2''' directory.<br>Confirm that you are currently located in the ''lesson2'' directory.<br><br>'''NOTE:''' Although it is NOT RECOMMENDED to create a filename using a special character (remember file naming rules?),<br>we will create an empty file called "*"<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command (using single quotes): <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">touch '*'</span><br><br>
# Issue the '''ls''' command. Do you now see a file called "*" in addition to the other copied files?<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command to remove the file called "*": <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">rm *</span><br><br>
# Issue the '''ls''' command to view the files in your current directory. What happened?!?<br>Why is it dangerous to use special characters when creating filenames?<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cp /bin/ls .</span><br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command (using single quotes): <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">touch '*'</span><br><br>
# Issue the '''ls''' command to view the files in your current directory.<br><br>
# Issue the following Linux command (using single quotes): <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">rm '*'<br><br>
# Issue the '''ls''' command to confirm that the file called "*" has been removed in your current directory. What happened this time?<br><br>
# Complete the Review Questions sections to get additional practice.<br><br>
# X
<br><br>
= LINUX PRACTICE QUESTIONS =
The purpose of this section is to obtain extra practice to help with your assignment #1, quizzes, your midterm, and your final ezamexam.
Here is a link to the MS Word Document of ALL of the questions displayed below but with extra room to answer on the document to
simulate a quiz:
https://ictwiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/~murray.saululi101/uli101files/uli101_week3_practice.docx
Your instructor may take-up these questions during class. It is up to the student to attend classes in order to obtain the answers to the following questions. Your instructor will NOT provide these answers in any other form (eg. e-mail, etc).
'''Review Questions:'''
# X
# X
# X
# X
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# X
# X
When answering Linux command questions on this side or the back side of this page, refer to the following Inverted Tree diagram. The week3 directory is contained in your home directory. Assume that you just logged into your Matrix account. Directories are underlined.
 
 
[[Image:week3-practice-question.png|left|300px|thumb|]]
 
<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
# Write a single Linux command using relative pathnames to create the directory structure displayed in the diagram above.
# Write a single Linux command to create the empty files “.answers.txt” and “questions.txt” shown in the diagram above using absolute pathnames.
# Write a Linux command to display a listing of all hidden and non-hidden filenames in the directory called “final” using a relative-to-home pathname.
# Assuming you are in your home directory, write a Linux command to view the contents of the “.answers.txt” file using a relative pathname. You can assume this text file is very large and you want to see all of the contents.
# Write a Linux command to change to the “backup “directory using an absolute pathname.<br>Write a command to verify that you changed to that directory:<br><br>
# Assuming that you remain in the “backup” directory, write a Linux command to copy the “questions.txt file” to your current directory. You are required to only use relative pathnames.
# Assuming that you remain in the “backup” directory, write a Linux command to delete the “questions.txt” file that is in your “backup” directory. Use a relative-to-home pathname.
# Assuming that you are currently located in your “backup” directory, write a Linux command to safely remove the directory “week3” and all of its contents. Use an absolute pathname.<br>Will your command you wrote in question 8 work if you run it? (yes/no). Why?<br><br>
# Assuming you are still located in the “backup” directory. Write a Linux command using a relative-to-home pathname to remove all files that end with the extension “.txt” in the “final” directory.
# Write a Linux command using an absolute pathname to list all files that consist of just 4 consecutive characters that are contained in your home directory.
# Write a Linux command using a relative pathname to list all files that begin and end with a number.
# Write a Linux command using a relative-to-home pathname to list all files that begin with a number but ends with any character other than a number.
# Assuming you are in your home directory. Write a Linux command using a relative pathname to view the contents of regular files whose file names only consist of 5 consecutive numbers.<br><br>
# Write a Linux command to display the following message:<br>*** Hello ***
# Write a Linux command to display the following message (including quotation marks):<br>“This is my message”<br><br>
 
 
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Author: Murray Saul
 
License: LGPL version 3
Link: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl.html
 
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