Special Signs
In UNIX special signs are used, all with different importance. These are very handy to know and makes work with UNIX much easier.
~ | Means "this directory is located in the home directory" Example: ra> cd ~aaabb123 (the home directory for user 'aaabb123') |
/ | As a single sign it referes to the root in the system. Example: ls / (list all files at root level) |
* | Means all files. Example; ra> ls lab* (lists all files starting with 'lab') ra> rm bla* (remove all files starting with 'bla') |
. | The dot (fullstop) represents the path to current
working directory. Se example with the cp command |
$ | The dollar sign relates to the value represented by a
specified variable set by the command Example: ra> set var=14 (advanced users only) |
& | The '&' sign runs a program in the background, this
means that you still can use the UNIX window while your
using the background program. Not running a program with '&' will prevent you from working in the window until the program is finished. Example: ra> emacs & (starts the program 'emacs' in background) |
Page responsible: Kristina Arkad
Last updated: 2015-05-25