Chapter 15 · 15.3
Terminal in your browser
The Terminal is a command line on the server, right in your browser. You don't need to set up an SSH program or create a key. Handy for a quick command, such as unzipping a zip file, running Composer or using WP-CLI.
The Terminal is included in the same packages as SSH: Power Webhost Three, Power Webhost Four, AI Wordpress Three and Power Reseller (see SSH Keys and logging in with SSH).
Opening the Terminal
- In DirectAdmin, under System Info & Files, click Terminal.
- After a few seconds, you'll see Terminal (Active) and a command prompt. You're logged in as your DA user, in your own folder.
- Type a command and press Enter.
- Done? Click Disconnect (1).
Handy commands
| Command | What does it do? |
|---|---|
| cd domains/yourdomain.com/public_html | Go to your website's folder |
| ls -la | Show the files in the current folder, including hidden files |
| du -sh * | See how much space each folder uses (see also Storage full: where's the space going?) |
| unzip file.zip | Unzip a zip file |
| php -v | Show the PHP version (the same as in Select PHP version) |
| wp plugin list | WP-CLI: show your WordPress plugins (in your WordPress folder) |
| composer install | Install the packages from composer.json |
| mysql -u user -p database < dump.sql | Import a large database (see Importing a database, including large files) |
Please note: Commands in the Terminal run immediately, with no bin and no "are you sure?" prompt. An incorrect rm permanently removes files. If in doubt, make a backup first (see Backup and Restore: creating your own backup in DirectAdmin).
Frequently asked questions
I can't find the Terminal any more.
Search for "Terminal" with Ctrl+J. If it's not there, SSH isn't included in your package. Upgrade to a Power Webhost package to get it.
Can I use sudo or root?
No. You always work as your own user, in a restricted environment. This means you can't install software for the whole server. However, you can place your own programs in your own folder, and create Node.js or Python apps (see Setting up a Node.js app and Setting up a Python app).