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Terminal Task Log: Prove You Can Live in the Command Line

The capstone project for Linux Command Line for Beginners — a free Data & Tech course. Pass it and you earn a certificate anyone can verify.

Start the course free Download the project workbook

The project unlocks once you complete the lessons. The workbook is free to download now so you can see exactly what is expected.

What you will submit

A single shareable link (Google Doc set to 'anyone with the link', or a PDF/GitHub gist) containing labelled screenshots of your terminal completing all the tasks above, each with a short plain-English explanation of the command used.

What to do, step by step

  1. Open a real Linux terminal (WSL on Windows, Terminal on Mac, or a free cloud VM / browser terminal) and confirm it's alive by running 'whoami' and 'pwd'. Take a screenshot of these and their output.
  2. File operations: in your home directory, run 'mkdir -p project/assets', create files with 'touch project/index.html project/notes.txt', copy a file with cp, rename one with mv, then list the result with 'ls -la project'. Screenshot the commands and output.
  3. Permissions: create a tiny script file, make it executable with 'chmod +x', then run 'ls -l' to show the new 'x' permission in the string, and explain in one line what '755' would mean. Screenshot it.
  4. Write and run a tiny shell script: create 'tasklog.sh' starting with '#!/bin/bash' that uses echo and at least one variable (e.g. NAME="yourname") to print a greeting and the current date, make it executable, and run it with './tasklog.sh'. Screenshot the script contents and its output.
  5. Use a pipe + grep at least once (for example 'ps aux | grep bash' or 'history | grep mkdir') and one redirection into a file (e.g. 'ls -l > files.txt' then 'cat files.txt'). Screenshot both.
  6. Compile everything into one document (Google Doc, PDF, or a public link) with each screenshot clearly labelled, and write 1-2 sentences under each explaining what the command did and why it matters.

Files to work with

Project workbook (fill in, then submit)The whole brief, an evidence checklist, the grading rubric as a self-check and the link-sharing steps in one file. Opens in Word, Google Docs or WPS.Word · 6 KB

How it is graded

CriterionWeight
All required tasks completed and visible in the transcript/screenshots (navigation, file ops, permissions, script, pipe/redirection)35%
Commands are correct and actually produced the shown output (no faked or broken commands)20%
The shell script works, includes the shebang and a variable, and is made executable with chmod +x20%
Clear plain-English explanation under each command showing genuine understanding, not just copying15%
Document is tidy, well-labelled, and accessible via a working public link10%

You need 65% overall to pass. A failed submission comes back with feedback and can be revised and resubmitted.

Before you submit: make your link public

If your work lives in Google Drive or Google Docs, open Share → General access and change “Restricted” to “Anyone with the link” (Viewer). Then paste the link into a private browser window: if it opens without sign-in, you are ready. A private link cannot be graded — it is the single most common reason a good project fails.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to finish Linux Command Line for Beginners before submitting the project?

Yes. The submission screen opens once every lesson in Linux Command Line for Beginners is marked complete. The lessons are where the methods, the Nigerian context and the worked examples the project depends on are taught.

How is the project graded?

An examiner scores each rubric criterion from 0 to 100 and weights them as shown on this page; you need 65% overall to pass. Most submissions are graded within minutes and you get written feedback on what was strong and what to improve.

Can I resubmit if I fail?

Yes. A failed project comes back with feedback; revise the weak parts and resubmit. A passed project is final — the certificate is issued and cannot be re-rolled.

What do I actually submit?

A write-up of what you did (under 5,000 characters) plus a public link to your work — a Google Drive folder, Google Doc, spreadsheet, GitHub repository or video. The link must open without sign-in; a private link cannot be graded. The free project workbook on this page walks you through all 6 steps.

Is the certificate real?

Yes. Passing this project issues a certificate with a unique verification code. Anyone — an employer, a client, a school — can open the verification page and see that the certificate is genuine and which project earned it.

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Ready to earn this certificate?

Linux Command Line for Beginners is free and self-paced. Finish the lessons, complete this project, and the certificate is yours to share.

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