About the online Linux terminal
This page boots a real Linux system inside your browser. An x86 emulator compiled to WebAssembly runs the machine, so the shell you type into is a genuine Linux shell rather than a simulation of one.
Commands such as ls, cd, mkdir, cat, grep, and chmod, along with pipes and redirection, behave the way they do on a real machine. The first boot takes a few seconds while the system image downloads and starts.
How to use it
- Wait a few seconds for the virtual machine to boot.
- Click the terminal and type a command, then press Enter.
- Explore the file system, create files, and chain commands with pipes.
- Press Reset to start again with a fresh machine.
Example: create files and search them
Type these commands one at a time to make a directory, write a file, and search it with grep.
mkdir demo && cd demo
echo "apple" > fruits.txt
echo "banana" >> fruits.txt
echo "cherry" >> fruits.txt
cat fruits.txt
grep "an" fruits.txt
ls -laWhat it is good for
- Learning shell basics without installing Linux or a virtual machine
- Practising file permissions, pipes, and redirection safely
- Trying a command before running it on a real server
- Following a Linux lesson from Windows, macOS, or a Chromebook
Frequently asked questions
Is this a real Linux system?
Yes. It is a Linux system running on an x86 emulator inside your browser, not a list of scripted responses.
Are my files saved between visits?
No. Every page load and every Reset starts a fresh machine, so nothing you create is kept.
Why does the terminal take a moment to start?
The browser has to download the system image and boot the virtual machine. This usually takes a few seconds on the first load.
Is the Linux terminal free?
Yes. It is free and works without an account.