Lecture Note
University
University of California San DiegoCourse
DSC 207R | Python for Data SciencePages
4
Academic year
2023
anon
Views
5
Introduction to Unix Introduction to UNIX-based Operating Systems Over the course of its more than 50-year existence, the UNIX operating system has greatly influenced the advancement of contemporary computer systems. Today's majority ofoperating systems, including different Linux distributions, macOS, iOS, and Android, are reallydeveloped on top of UNIX. One of our main tools for any data science endeavor is the UNIXcommand line and the utility commands it provides. Before using them in the context ofsubsequent lectures and exercises, we give a brief overview of UNIX-based operatingsystems in this article. Why is UNIX important? Many computing and data systems, including those used by industrial behemoths like Facebook and Google, are built on the widely used UNIX operating system. UNIX offers avery potent development environment because to its operating system, which is based onthe compossibility of small utility programs that are excellent at doing one thing. Theseprograms are referred to as commands. By combining these commands with someprogramming syntax, or scripting, users can create their own commands and applications. So, why is it important to us as data scientists? UNIX is undoubtedly a skill that is anticipated for the majority of programming positions. UNIX is a robust operating systemthat also includes commands for data search, subsetting, and transformation. Using thesecommands effectively can facilitate speedy data processing and analysis through thecommand line. This can be quite helpful, especially when performing exploratory analysisand getting the data ready. Even rapid approaches to create a pipeline of commands isavailable in UNIX. Also, a lot of data science tools provide a command-line interface thatworks through the UNIX shell and requires command-line involvement. After some practicewith the UNIX command line, you might find it simpler to interact with other command-linetools and apps, so let's get started. The UNIX Operating System The Kernel, the Shell, and the applications make up the three primary components of the UNIX operating system. The UNIX Kernel, which controls the system's resources and acts as an interface for hardware devices, is the operating system's central component. The Kernel is in charge ofcontrolling the system's memory, processing input and output requests, and controllingprocesses and system calls.
Shell: The UNIX Shell serves as the user's interface to the kernel, which is UNIX's command-line interpreter. Simply said, it enables the Kernel to run user-written applicationsand UNIX commands. For instance, the UNIX command "ls" lists files in the Shell. When theuser presses return, it will be understood by the Shell and executed. Every time a userconnects into a UNIX-like system, the UNIX Shell launches automatically. It receivescommands and issues system calls to carry them out. Moreover, it offers a shell scripting orprogramming interface for the Shell environment. Applications that are run on the UNIX operating system are known as programs. There is a huge library of programs available for UNIX that may be used for everything from textprocessing to system administration. UNIX programs are intended to be short and toperform a single task exceptionally effectively. Understanding Files and Processes Everything in UNIX, even the hard disk volumes, is represented by a process or a file, which is a key characteristic. Due to this, there is no equivalent to Windows' idea of nameddrives. A process is an active program that can be recognized by its own process identifier,often known as a PID. Data collections called files are set up in a directory structure. Thesefiles are produced by active programs and users. In reality, directories are simply special filesthat house other files. A file system is a hierarchical structure used to organize files. The topof the file system hierarchy is indicated by the forward slash "/," which stands for rootdirectory. The root directory is situated above all other directories and files. The UNIX Command Line An interface for communicating with the UNIX operating system is the command line. It offers a strong set of instruments for performing The Importance of UNIX Command Line for Data Scientists We'll talk about the UNIX operating system in this week's third lesson. One of the most important resources for any data science endeavor is the UNIX command line and the utilitycommands it provides. Before using UNIX-based operating systems in the context ofsubsequent lectures and exercises, we will give you a brief introduction to them in thisarticle. Now that you're familiar with a UNIX-based command line, you can go on and skip thislesson. But if you're still reading, you'll be able to define UNIX, comprehend files andprocesses, see how the UNIX directory structure is organized, launch a UNIX terminal, andissue your first command by the time this tutorial is out.
What is UNIX, and Why is it Important? With the exception of those that are based on the Windows operating system, the majority of contemporary operating systems are based on UNIX. Many Linux distributions, the MacOS X 10.5 operating system, iOS, and Android are examples of popular UNIX-based operatingsystems. The UNIX family tree demonstrates how UNIX has a large impact and is widely used in the sector. Several computing and data systems, including market leaders like Facebook andGoogle, use UNIX as their back end. As an operating system, UNIX offers a strong programming environment based on the compositability of compact utility programs that excel at doing a single task. Users cancreate their own commands and programs by combining these programs, someprogramming syntax, and scripting. These programs are referred to as commands. Since most programming professions require knowledge of UNIX, why is it important to us as data scientists? The UNIX operating system offers commands for data search,subsetting, and transformation in addition to being a strong operating system. With thecommand line, efficient use of these tools can aid in speedy data manipulation and analysis.This can be quite beneficial, especially when preparing data for exploratory analysis. Evenrapid approaches to create a pipeline of commands are available in UNIX. Also, a lot of data science tools provide a command line interface that works through the UNIX shell and requires command line involvement. You might find it simpler to interact withdifferent command line tools and apps once you've become familiar with the UNIXcommand line. The Three Main Parts of UNIX The Kernel, the Shell, and the Programs are the three primary components of the UNIX operating system. A command line interpreter for UNIX, the Kernel, communicates with the user through the UNIX Shell. It enables the Kernel to run user-written applications and UNIX commands, to putit simply. For instance, the UNIX command "ls" is used in the Shell to list files. When the userpresses the return key, it will be decoded and executed by the Shell. Every time a userconnects into a system that is similar to UNIX, the UNIX Shell launches automatically. Ittakes commands and executes them by calling system functions. Moreover, it offers aninterface for shell scripting or programming within the Shell environment. To sum up, commands in UNIX are just programs that the Shell runs. Every time the user issues a command through the Shell, the kernel receives the command and spawns aprocess with a special identifier to carry it out. Everything, even the hard disk volumes, is
represented by a process or a file, which is a fundamental aspect of UNIX. Because of this,there is no equivalent to Windows' named drive idea. Processes and Files in UNIX A process is an active program that is recognized by a specific process identifier, or PID as it is commonly known. As opposed to collections of data, files are arranged in a directorystructure. These files are produced by users and active processes. Directories are uniquefiles that house other files. A hierarchical tree structure is used to organize files.
Introduction to UNIX
Please or to post comments