One of Google’s noteworthy innovations this year has been the introduction of Linux Terminal support integrated directly into Android. For Pixel users running the latest stable version of the operating system, this feature opens up a realm of possibilities. Although the terminal interface may appear intimidating at first glance, its operation within a virtual machine ensures that it remains separate from the core functions of your device, providing a safe environment for exploration.
Have you enabled the Linux Terminal app on your Pixel?
In a recent poll, responses varied among users:
- Yes, I have: 24%
- No, but I’m considering it: 51%
- No, I don’t want to: 10%
- No, my phone doesn’t support it: 15%
Get to grips with the basics
For those new to the terminal, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. A helpful companion app, the Linux Command Library, can assist in navigating essential commands. However, the terminal itself offers built-in support through two key commands:
help: This command provides a list of available commands, functioning like a phonebook.man: This command displays manual pages for utilities and commands, allowing for deeper exploration.
To explore further, start with help for a broad overview, then use man to delve into specifics. Additionally, here are a few crucial commands to remember:
- Update the system:
sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade
- Install a package:
sudo apt install [package name]
- Clear the terminal:
clear
- Close a running program: typically
CTRL + C
Experiment with system information tools
Before diving into more complex tasks, consider exploring system information tools available through the terminal. These tools provide insights into RAM and CPU usage within your virtual machine. Two notable options are:
neofetch: Offers a concise overview of your system.htop: Provides real-time updates on system resource usage.
To install these tools, use the following commands:
sudo apt install neofetch
sudo apt install htop
After installation, simply type neofetch or htop to run them.
Play a game, or two, or three!
While gaming on the command line may seem unconventional, terminal games possess a unique charm. One of the first games I enjoyed on Linux was Bastet, a Tetris-like block stacking game, and it remains a favorite. Although the Pixel 8’s smaller screen may pose some challenges, the experience is still enjoyable. To install Bastet, use:
sudo apt install bastet
Other entertaining terminal games include:
- Pacman4console:
sudo apt install pacman4console
- Moon-Buggy:
sudo apt install moon-buggy
- nsnake:
sudo apt install nsnake
- ninvaders:
sudo apt install ninvaders
Control other devices on your network
Another practical application of the terminal is the ability to control devices on your network via SSH. For those who have set up a Pi-hole or a personal digital assistant, SSH access allows for easy management. To install SSH, enter:
sudo apt install ssh
This command enables you to connect to various machines, from homemade NAS systems to desktops.
Turn the Terminal into a secret notebook
For note-taking, the terminal offers several text editors, with nano being a personal favorite. To install it, simply run:
sudo apt install nano
Once installed, launching nano allows you to jot down notes, save them in text files, and easily retrieve them later.
Step into the Matrix
For a nostalgic touch, you can transform your terminal into a Matrix-like display. To do this, install cmatrix with the command:
sudo apt install cmatrix
Running cmatrix will fill your terminal with cascading text, reminiscent of the iconic film.
Stress test your Pixel
While it may not be advisable to stress test devices known for overheating, it can be an intriguing experiment. To install a stress testing tool, use:
sudo apt install stress
Then, execute the following command to stress test your CPU:
stress --cpu [number of CPUs] --timeout [duration in seconds]
For example, to stress test all nine CPU cores of the Pixel 8 for 60 seconds, the command would be:
stress --cpu 9 --timeout 60
To monitor the test, open htop in a separate terminal tab.
Become a digital cat parent
For a whimsical touch, you can turn your terminal into a Nyan Cat display. Install it with:
sudo apt install nyancat
Then, simply run:
nyancat
Your terminal will then showcase a delightful flying cat with rainbow trails.
This is just the beginning!
The Linux Terminal app represents a significant enhancement for Android devices. While users currently access a text-based interface to a Debian virtual machine, there are plans for full-scale Linux apps to be available in Android’s desktop mode in the future. This development promises exciting opportunities for both learning and experimentation, as well as serving as a portable development toolkit. The examples provided merely scratch the surface of what’s possible; many users have successfully installed complete graphical interfaces, turning their Pixels into portable Linux machines. The only limit is your imagination, encouraging continuous exploration of resources and guides to unlock the terminal’s full potential.
Do you have a fun way of using the Linux Terminal on your phone? Perhaps I missed something handy. If so, let the community know in the comments below.
8 things you must try with the Linux Terminal app on your Android phone
One of Google’s noteworthy innovations this year has been the introduction of Linux Terminal support integrated directly into Android. For Pixel users running the latest stable version of the operating system, this feature opens up a realm of possibilities. Although the terminal interface may appear intimidating at first glance, its operation within a virtual machine ensures that it remains separate from the core functions of your device, providing a safe environment for exploration.
Have you enabled the Linux Terminal app on your Pixel?
In a recent poll, responses varied among users:
Get to grips with the basics
For those new to the terminal, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. A helpful companion app, the Linux Command Library, can assist in navigating essential commands. However, the terminal itself offers built-in support through two key commands:
help: This command provides a list of available commands, functioning like a phonebook.man: This command displays manual pages for utilities and commands, allowing for deeper exploration.To explore further, start with
helpfor a broad overview, then usemanto delve into specifics. Additionally, here are a few crucial commands to remember:sudo apt updateandsudo apt upgradesudo apt install [package name]clearCTRL + CExperiment with system information tools
Before diving into more complex tasks, consider exploring system information tools available through the terminal. These tools provide insights into RAM and CPU usage within your virtual machine. Two notable options are:
neofetch: Offers a concise overview of your system.htop: Provides real-time updates on system resource usage.To install these tools, use the following commands:
sudo apt install neofetchsudo apt install htopAfter installation, simply type
neofetchorhtopto run them.Play a game, or two, or three!
While gaming on the command line may seem unconventional, terminal games possess a unique charm. One of the first games I enjoyed on Linux was Bastet, a Tetris-like block stacking game, and it remains a favorite. Although the Pixel 8’s smaller screen may pose some challenges, the experience is still enjoyable. To install Bastet, use:
sudo apt install bastetOther entertaining terminal games include:
sudo apt install pacman4consolesudo apt install moon-buggysudo apt install nsnakesudo apt install ninvadersControl other devices on your network
Another practical application of the terminal is the ability to control devices on your network via SSH. For those who have set up a Pi-hole or a personal digital assistant, SSH access allows for easy management. To install SSH, enter:
sudo apt install sshThis command enables you to connect to various machines, from homemade NAS systems to desktops.
Turn the Terminal into a secret notebook
For note-taking, the terminal offers several text editors, with
nanobeing a personal favorite. To install it, simply run:sudo apt install nanoOnce installed, launching
nanoallows you to jot down notes, save them in text files, and easily retrieve them later.Step into the Matrix
For a nostalgic touch, you can transform your terminal into a Matrix-like display. To do this, install
cmatrixwith the command:sudo apt install cmatrixRunning
cmatrixwill fill your terminal with cascading text, reminiscent of the iconic film.Stress test your Pixel
While it may not be advisable to stress test devices known for overheating, it can be an intriguing experiment. To install a stress testing tool, use:
sudo apt install stressThen, execute the following command to stress test your CPU:
stress --cpu [number of CPUs] --timeout [duration in seconds]For example, to stress test all nine CPU cores of the Pixel 8 for 60 seconds, the command would be:
stress --cpu 9 --timeout 60To monitor the test, open
htopin a separate terminal tab.Become a digital cat parent
For a whimsical touch, you can turn your terminal into a Nyan Cat display. Install it with:
sudo apt install nyancatThen, simply run:
nyancatYour terminal will then showcase a delightful flying cat with rainbow trails.
This is just the beginning!
The Linux Terminal app represents a significant enhancement for Android devices. While users currently access a text-based interface to a Debian virtual machine, there are plans for full-scale Linux apps to be available in Android’s desktop mode in the future. This development promises exciting opportunities for both learning and experimentation, as well as serving as a portable development toolkit. The examples provided merely scratch the surface of what’s possible; many users have successfully installed complete graphical interfaces, turning their Pixels into portable Linux machines. The only limit is your imagination, encouraging continuous exploration of resources and guides to unlock the terminal’s full potential.
Do you have a fun way of using the Linux Terminal on your phone? Perhaps I missed something handy. If so, let the community know in the comments below.