Lab46 Wiki

Over the first week, we did not have computers to work with. It was a bit confusing trying to grasp how to use the commands and UNIX system without having it in front of me. We learned about some basic commands such as ls, man, who, and how to change into different directories using the cd command. As the computers arrived, we finally started to dabble within the UNIX system. It was quite interesting to use something so different than I am used to; however, I am becoming more comfortable using it as more time is spent playing around within. As the semester progresses, I'm sure that I will become adept in using the force to move around and manipulate the UNIX system and learn even more of what it is able to accomplish.

This last week I have worked more with the UNIX system. I've become much more comfortable with commands and the more text-based approach. I actually quite enjoy it as it makes me feel as though I know what I'm doing rather than just clicking and hoping I eventually get to the right thing, if I don't already know exactly what I'm doing. Also, I've learned how to do a bit more when it comes to navigating and creating some new directories. I have also learned more about renaming and copying files to different locations. I am learning how to work with archives in the arc0 project; it seems quite interesting. This also allowed me to practice copying files and creating some new directories to work with. I have also worked a little bit with mercurial in the process of this project. I believe it is a good way to make sure my work is saved in another location and has multiple backups in the case that something unfortunate happens.

With respect to learning and working with the commands, we made a skeleton and cake file within class. We then imported information into the cake file and created a symbolic link to the skeleton file called “key.” We also work on making directories and deleting them afterward to get a grasp on how copying, renaming, and removing files works. I still find it a little odd that renaming uses the same command as moving, yet it does make sense. I still am learning more as I work on the project and am excited to see where else this class goes.