Ubuntu – Is the command line structure the same for Linux and Ubuntu

command linesyntax

I'm new to the Linux world. I'm curious to know if the command line syntax is the same between Linux and Ubuntu?

Best Answer

Just to clarify:

  • Linux is the kernel that Ubuntu and many other distributions use.
  • Linux is not an operating system.
  • A Linux distribution is a set of software that includes an operating system as well as other utilities that make the operating system useful. (ie gnome)
  • Because they are different things, a distribution and a kernel are not comparable items.

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that uses the Linux kernel, the standard GNU toolkit and a whole lot of other free software stacked on top.

The command-line utilities are not provided by Linux. Most core utilities are provided by the GNU project. Some are specific to the distribution (eg apt-get is specific to Debian-based distros). The rest come from any number of other independent sources.

Depending on your definition of 'command-line structure', every GNU distribution uses the same 'command-link structure'. I would consider android, for instance, a Linux distribution but not an GNU distribution. Most Linux distributions adhere to the Linux Standard Base. This sets out the rules for where files go, and how things are structured (amongst other things).

On the other hand, you could also say that 'command-line structure' changes based on the shell that you use.

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