What are the common commands to clear the screen?

Common Commands to Clear the Screen in Linux

In the Linux operating system, there are several common commands that can be used to clear the screen. These commands are useful for maintaining a clean and organized terminal environment, especially when working on complex tasks or navigating through multiple commands.

1. clear Command

The most commonly used command to clear the screen in Linux is the clear command. This command simply clears the contents of the current terminal window, leaving a clean and empty screen.

Example usage:

$ clear

After executing the clear command, the terminal window will be cleared, and the cursor will be positioned at the top-left corner of the screen.

2. Ctrl + L Shortcut

Another way to clear the screen in Linux is by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + L. This shortcut performs the same function as the clear command, clearing the contents of the current terminal window.

Example usage:

1. Press Ctrl + L on your keyboard.

The terminal window will be cleared, and the cursor will be positioned at the top-left corner of the screen.

3. reset Command

The reset command is another option for clearing the screen in Linux. This command not only clears the screen but also resets the terminal settings to their default values.

Example usage:

$ reset

After executing the reset command, the terminal window will be cleared, and the cursor will be positioned at the top-left corner of the screen. Additionally, the terminal settings, such as font size, color scheme, and other configurations, will be restored to their default values.

Choosing the Right Command

The choice of which command to use depends on your specific needs and preferences. The clear command is the most commonly used and straightforward option, while the Ctrl + L shortcut can be more convenient for quickly clearing the screen. The reset command is useful when you need to reset the terminal settings in addition to clearing the screen.

In summary, the three common commands to clear the screen in Linux are:

1. clear
2. Ctrl + L
3. reset

Each of these commands serves a slightly different purpose, but they all effectively clear the contents of the current terminal window, providing a clean and organized workspace for your Linux operations.