Interactive CLI Cheat Sheet
A quick reference for the most common command-line utilities used in network diagnostics, traffic analysis, and system administration.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| ping <target> | Tests connectivity to a target by sending ICMP echo requests. |
| tracert <target> | Shows the path a packet takes to reach a destination (Windows). Use "traceroute" on Linux/Mac. |
| nslookup <domain> | Queries DNS servers to find the IP address of a domain name. |
| dig <domain> | A more flexible DNS lookup tool, mostly used on Linux/Mac. |
| netstat -ano | Displays all active network connections and listening ports. |
| ipconfig /all | Displays detailed network configuration for Windows. Use "ifconfig" or "ip a" on Linux. |
Why learn the Command Line?
While graphical interfaces (GUIs) are easier to learn, the command line interface (CLI) is much faster and can be easily automated using scripts. When working on remote servers (like in AWS or Azure) or during a cyber attack, you often will not have access to a mouse or graphical windows.
Understanding how to use tools like ping and grep is fundamental for any IT or Cybersecurity professional.