10 Fun Linux Commands Every IT Enthusiast Should Try

1. rev command

Reverses each input line. $ rev Example: entering shiyanlou displays the reversed string as shown in the image.

2. asciiview command

Displays images as ASCII art in the terminal.

$ sudo apt-get install aview

$ sudo apt-get install imagemagick

$ asciiview shiyanlou.png -driver curses

Running the command shows the image rendered in ASCII, as illustrated below.

3. sl command

Shows an animated train moving across the screen.

$ sudo apt-get install sl

$ sl

4. aafire command

Displays a fire animation in the terminal.

$ sudo apt-get install libaa-bin

$ aafire

5. cmatrix command

Creates a "Matrix" style falling characters animation.

$ sudo apt-get install cmatrix

$ cmatrix

Press Ctrl+C to stop.

6. factor command

Performs prime factorization, useful for simple math exercises.

$ factor 60

7. oneko command

Shows a cat that follows the mouse pointer; it sleeps when idle.

$ sudo apt-get install oneko

$ oneko

Press Ctrl+C to exit.

8. boxes command

Wraps input text or code in ASCII art boxes.

$ sudo apt-get install boxes

$ echo "shiyanlou.com" | boxes

Or use a specific style:

$ echo "shiyanlou.com" | boxes -d dog

9. xeyes command

Displays a pair of eyes that follow the mouse cursor.

$ sudo apt-get install xeyes

$ xeyes

10. pv command

Shows a progress bar effect for data streams, useful for simulating typewriter‑like output.

$ sudo apt-get install pv

$ echo "welcome to shiyanlou.com , you can learn IT by doing" | pv -qL 10

Feel free to share any other interesting Linux commands you discover.