“Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand.”
― Martin Fowler
I vividly recall the first time I used the command line in Ubuntu’s terminal. The moment I navigated directories using the ‘cd’ command marked the start of my computing journey and my unexpected dive into the power of Linux.
Before encountering Linux, my computing experience was limited to Windows and Mac. But as I just described, that initial interaction with the command-line interface (CLI) changed everything. I was captivated by the ability to operate the OS through commands, and this eventually laid the foundation for my coding career a few years later.
Coding in Linux, not in Windows:
For some reason, I found the command-line interface (CLI) more intuitive than graphical user interfaces (GUI). While many people default to Windows for nearly everything, including coding, I was drawn to Linux for its simplicity. My first experience with Java was on Linux. After installing Java on my machine using the command line, I compiled my first ‘Hello World’ program the same way.
In a world where Windows and Mac are the dominant operating systems for learning to code, my approach to engaging with programming languages was somewhat unconventional, but it was entirely feasible.
My initial experiences with coding algorithms were almost entirely based on Linux. Through my journey with Linux, I gradually became more adept at navigating the operating system, and I absolutely loved it.
The king of shell:
I might not remember every command, but I know how to find the right one with a quick Google search. That’s where my skills really stand out. This year, through my job, I learned that my shell scripting abilities meet professional standards.
In my workplace, not many people knew much about Linux and shell scripting. The skills I honed over the years finally got their moment to shine at work. It was then I proved to myself that my Linux experience was not only real but also impressive.
My ease with the dark terminal screen set me apart in the field.
That dark space of the terminal:
Some people, even in the tech industry, are intimidated by the dark screen of the terminal. I understand it can be daunting for some. It’s not graphically intuitive, and you have to navigate the system using commands. But I love it. From the very moment I first interacted with the OS, it felt like second nature to me. It’s hard to explain, but there’s something about its command-line interface that I just adore.