Top 10 Command Line Tools Every Developer Should Know

The command line isn’t just for system admins — it’s a powerful ally for developers. In 2025, mastering the terminal can make you faster, more efficient, and more confident when managing projects or debugging systems. Here are 10 must-know command line tools every developer should use: 1. Git Version control at your fingertips. Use commands like git status, git commit, and git push to manage your code efficiently. 2. cURL Test APIs directly from the terminal. Perfect for developers working with RESTful or GraphQL endpoints. 3. htop A modern, interactive system monitor to analyze CPU, RAM, and process usage in real time. 4. Zsh (with Oh My Zsh) An upgraded shell with autocompletion, themes, and plugins that enhance your productivity. 5. npm / yarn Essential for frontend developers to manage dependencies, build tools, and scripts efficiently. 6. Docker CLI Container management simplified. Build, run, and deploy apps consistently across environments using commands like docker run and docker compose. 7. tmux Manage multiple terminal sessions in a single window — ideal for multitasking developers and remote work setups. 8. grep Quickly search through files and logs using keywords — a lifesaver when debugging large codebases. 9. tree Visualize your project’s folder structure instantly with a simple tree command. 10. nmap A network scanning tool for checking open ports and understanding your server’s security posture. 💡 Final Thought: The command line is the ultimate power tool for developers. Once you master it, you’ll spend less time clicking and more time building, testing, and automating.