A super-simple guide to using the Mac Terminal.
Imagine your Mac has a secret “text-only” mode where you can control everything by typing magic words. That’s the Terminal! It’s like being a wizard who talks directly to the computer.
Step 1: How to Open Terminal
- Press the spacebar + ⌘ (Command key) together → this opens Spotlight.
- Type “Terminal” and press Enter.
Boom! A black (or white) window appears. You’re now a hacker (the good kind 😎).
Step 2: Your First Words to the Computer
Just type something and press Enter.
Try this right now:
whoamiIt will say your username! Cool, right?
Try this:
dateIt shows today’s date and time.
Step 3: Moving Around Folders (Like in Finder, but with typing)
Your Mac has folders inside folders, just like on your Desktop.
Important places:
- Your home folder (where all your stuff lives) → written as
~(tilde) - Desktop →
~/Desktop - Downloads →
~/Downloads
The Most Important Commands (with kid-friendly explanations)
| Command | What to type | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ls | ls | Lists everything in the folder (like opening a folder in Finder) | ls → shows your files |
ls -l | Lists with extra details (size, date) | ||
ls -la | Shows hidden files too (secret files!) | ||
| cd | cd Desktop | Change directory = go into a folder | cd Desktop → now you’re on Desktop |
cd .. | Go back one folder (like pressing the back arrow in Finder) | ||
cd ~ | Go straight home (your user folder) | ||
cd / | Go to the very top (root of the Mac) | ||
| pwd | pwd | “Print Working Directory” → tells you exactly where you are right now | |
| clear | clear | Clears the screen (makes it clean again) | |
| open | open . | Opens the current folder in Finder (super useful!) | |
open filename.txt | Opens that file with the normal app | ||
| mkdir | mkdir Games | Make a new folder called “Games” | |
| touch | touch diary.txt | Creates a new empty file called diary.txt | |
| rm | rm badfile.txt | Deletes a file FOREVER (be careful!) | |
| rmdir | rmdir EmptyFolder | Deletes an empty folder | |
| mv | mv oldname.txt newname.txt | Rename a file | |
mv file.txt Desktop/ | Move a file to Desktop | ||
| cp | cp file.txt file-copy.txt | Copy a file |
Super Useful Keyboard Shortcuts (these work in Terminal!)
| Keys | What it does |
|---|---|
| ↑ (Up arrow) | Shows the last command you typed (keep pressing to go further back) |
| ↓ (Down arrow) | Goes forward in your command history |
| ← → (Left/Right arrows) | Move the cursor left/right |
| Ctrl + A | Jump to beginning of the line |
| Ctrl + E | Jump to end of the line |
| Ctrl + U | Delete everything you typed on this line (oops fixer!) |
| Ctrl + L | Same as typing clear |
| Tab | Auto-completes folder/file names (magic!) |
| Ctrl + C | Stops whatever is running (emergency stop button) |
Mini Challenges! Try these one by one:
- Open Terminal
- Type
pwd→ where are you? - Type
cd Desktop - Type
ls→ what do you see? - Type
mkdir CoolStuff - Type
touch mygame.py(or .txt if you want) - Type
open .→ Finder opens your Desktop! - Type
cd CoolStuff - Type
pwd→ you’re inside CoolStuff now! - Type
cd ..→ go back - Type
rm -r CoolStuff(deletes the folder you just made – only if it’s empty or has stuff you made)
(The -r means “recursive” – it deletes folders that have things inside. Be careful!)
Golden Rules (Super Important!)
- Never type
rm -rf /→ this deletes your entire Mac (don’t even joke about it). - If you’re not sure, ask a parent or teacher first.
- Terminal is powerful – treat it like a lightsaber, not a toy sword.
You just became a Terminal wizard! 🎉
Every time you use these commands, you get faster and cooler. Real programmers and hackers use these every day.
Now go explore! Type ls, cd around, and have fun! 🐱💻