Linux Terminal Archives

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

8 things you must try with the Linux Terminal app on your Android phone

Google introduced Linux Terminal support integrated into Android for Pixel users running the latest stable version of the operating system. The terminal operates within a virtual machine, ensuring separation from core device functions. A recent poll showed that 24% of users have enabled the Linux Terminal app, 51% are considering it, 10% do not want it, and 15% have phones that do not support it. Key commands include "help" for available commands and "man" for manual pages. Users can install system information tools like neofetch and htop, as well as terminal games such as Bastet, Pacman4console, Moon-Buggy, nsnake, and ninvaders. SSH can be installed for network device control, and text editor nano can be used for note-taking. Users can also install cmatrix for a Matrix-like display and stress testing tools. Nyan Cat can be displayed in the terminal as well. Future plans include full-scale Linux apps in Android’s desktop mode.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

I activated the Linux terminal on my Pixel, and you should too

Google's Pixel devices now include a Linux Terminal app, introduced with the March 2025 Pixel Drop update. This app allows users to access a version of Debian on their smartphones, enabling them to execute commands, install packages, and perform internet-related tasks similar to a desktop Linux terminal. The app is available for Pixel phones running Android 15 or newer and is currently exclusive to these devices. To activate the app, users must enable Developer options, toggle on the Linux development environment, and install the app, which has a download size of approximately 565MB. The feature is experimental and may have bugs, such as persistent notifications and connectivity issues. The app operates within a virtual machine, isolating it from the device's data but allowing access to the Downloads folder.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

This is the best companion app for the Linux terminal on Android

Google's latest Pixel Drop update has introduced a Linux Terminal app that runs within a Debian-based virtual machine. The Linux Command Library is a companion app designed to assist users with the terminal experience, featuring three main tabs: Basics, Tips, and Commands. The Basics section offers an overview of essential commands, the Tips section provides curated commands for beginners, and the Commands tab serves as a master search tool for more experienced users. Users can copy and paste commands directly from the app into the terminal. Not all commands in the Linux Command Library are compatible with the default Android Terminal app, and some command-line games may not function as intended. The app aims to help users navigate the complexities of the Linux Terminal, making it a valuable resource for both newcomers and experienced users.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

WSL is the best feature added to Windows in the last decade

Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update in August 2016, initially as a tool for developers. WSL debuted as a beta version with a native-kernel translation layer, allowing Windows to run unmodified Linux ELF binaries. Its early performance was limited, leading users to prefer Linux virtual machines for full compatibility. The launch of WSL2 in May 2020 replaced the translation layer with a lightweight, real Linux kernel running in a Hyper-V utility VM, providing near-native performance and comprehensive syscall coverage. WSL2 has since seen continuous improvements, including GPU-compute and CUDA support in 2021, full GUI support for X11 and Wayland applications in 2022, and systemd support in September 2022. WSL2 approaches the performance of bare-metal Linux while integrating seamlessly with Windows, allowing users to launch a Linux shell easily. It enables developers to access the C drive and interact between Windows and Linux environments without dual-booting. WSL2 enhances productivity for data science workflows, allowing the use of tools like PyTorch with CUDA. It also offers features for non-developers, such as creating aliases for launching Windows applications and running Linux GUI applications. WSL's integration into Windows represents a significant shift, providing opportunities for users across various domains to explore Linux functionalities.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

My favorite SSH clients for Android – and why you need them

Users can access Linux machines on a local area network using SSH commands from an Android phone, with various applications available on the Google Play Store. 1. JuiceSSH is a popular SSH client for Android that features font size adjustment, identity management, automatic script execution, plugins, themes, and external keyboard support. The Pro version offers additional features for a one-time fee of .99. 2. Termius is another SSH client that provides cloud-based encrypted storage for connection configurations, a connection manager, SSH key authentication, and SFTP support. The Pro version includes advanced features and requires account setup, but the app is free with optional in-app purchases. 3. Termux serves as a terminal emulator that allows users to run Linux commands, including SSH, after installing the openssh package. It is free to install and use. 4. ConnectBot is an open-source SSH client that offers a clean interface, color categories, font size customization, SSH key authentication, and persistent connections across multiple machines. It is also free to install and use. Recent updates to Android enable users to access a full Linux environment and install SSH using the command apt install openssh-client.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

5 ways to use the Linux terminal on your Android phone

Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal, allowing users to execute familiar commands, though running GUI applications can be challenging. With Android 16, the terminal receives more space. Users can connect to remote machines via SSH by configuring the SSH config file for easier access. The terminal serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, executing commands, and accessing manuals. Developers can use it for coding, with Python pre-installed, and can create applications directly on their devices. The terminal also supports the installation of the MariaDB database server for database management. Additionally, users can create hidden files for storing sensitive notes using the Nano editor.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

These 7 WSL programs changed how I use Windows

Windows users previously faced challenges using Linux tools via virtual machines until the introduction of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which was further improved with WSL2. WSL2 integrates a lightweight virtual machine into Windows, allowing users to run Linux applications seamlessly. Runtipi and CasaOS can be easily set up on WSL2 to host self-service applications without complex configurations. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) offers a WSL extension that enables code execution directly in Linux distributions from Windows, enhancing the coding experience. Gigolo is a frontend for managing network shares, which can also be integrated into Windows 11 through WSL2. Ansible can automate the provisioning of virtual machines and containers on WSL2, making it easier for users engaged in DIY projects. Rsync can be installed via WSL2 for efficient file synchronization and backups on Windows. Podman Desktop allows Windows users to explore container runtimes using WSL2, providing a GUI for managing containers. Lastly, WSL2 enables users to access the Linux terminal and run various Linux distributions directly within Windows 11.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

5 things to do with the Linux terminal on your Android phone

Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal that allows users to execute various commands typical of Linux environments. While it is robust, installing graphical user interface (GUI) applications can be challenging. The terminal can be used for SSH connections by configuring the SSH config file for easier access to remote machines. It serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, with options to execute commands and access manual files. Developers can use it for coding, as Python is pre-installed, allowing for immediate programming tasks. Users can also install the MariaDB database server for database management directly from their mobile devices. Additionally, the terminal can be used to securely store notes by creating hidden files with the Nano editor.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Google says its new Linux Terminal feature isn’t a replacement for Android’s desktop mode

Google has introduced a Linux Terminal app for Android, allowing users to run a Debian instance within a virtual machine. This app aims to integrate more Linux applications, tools, and games into the Android ecosystem, rather than providing an additional desktop environment. The Linux Terminal app features a text-based command line interface and does not include a graphical desktop environment by default, although users can install desktop environments like XFCE or GNOME. Google is enhancing the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to support this development, with plans for future updates to improve functionality, including tab support and GPU acceleration. Currently, launching Linux apps outside of the Terminal is limited, but Google envisions a future where Linux applications work seamlessly alongside native Android apps in desktop mode.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Linux on Android: Google clarifies the new Terminal app’s purpose

Google's new Linux Terminal app for Android, launched with the March 2025 Pixel Drop, allows users to create and manage a Debian virtual machine on their Pixel devices through a command-line interface. The app is designed to enhance the Android app ecosystem by enabling the use of Linux apps, tools, and games, rather than creating a new desktop environment. Users can control their Linux environment, including storage allocation and port forwarding. While users can install Linux desktop management systems like XFCE or GNOME, these will not be the default experience. Google is also preparing GPU acceleration for future releases. The development indicates a convergence between Android and ChromeOS, but both systems will retain their distinct functionalities, with Android focused on mobile use and ChromeOS optimized for desktop productivity.