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Linux Navigation Simulator

Linux Navigation Simulator is an interactive web-based tool for learning and practicing basic Linux command line navigation and file operations, designed specifically for life sciences researchers and absolute beginners. The app visualizes a Unix-style filesystem, provides realistic shell prompt interaction, and presents structured exercises to help you master navigation, inspection, and text processing commands in a safe, sandboxed environment.

Features

  • Interactive Directory Tree:
    Visually explore and navigate a simulated Unix filesystem. The current working directory is highlighted and synced with shell activity.
  • Command Line Practice:
    Practice commands (cd, ls, pwd, cat, head, tail, wc, grep, cut, and pipes) in a realistic shell interface.
  • Exercise Sets:
    Work through stepwise, themed exercise groups — including both biological (FASTA, TSV, CSV) and general (grocery lists, expenses) data — with automatic solution checking and progress tracking.
  • File Content Inspection:
    View contents of files and use real Unix tools to process text, tabular, and biological data.
  • Guided Hints & Tooltips:
    Hover over any supported command for an instant usage guide and example.
  • Keyboard and Mouse Navigation:
    Navigate the filesystem with your mouse or keyboard arrow keys, just like on a real system.
  • Accessible and Themed:
    Dark mode, ARIA labeling, accessible contrast, and responsive design for a pleasant learning experience.

Who is this for?

  • Absolute beginners to the Linux shell
  • Life science researchers (PhD candidates, students) in need of data-wrangling skills
  • Teachers, trainers, and self-learners looking for a gentle but realistic CLI sandbox

How to use

  1. Explore the Filesystem:
    Use the directory tree on the left to click through folders, or move with arrow keys.
  2. Use the Terminal:
    Try out supported commands in the shell on the right. Hover over any listed command for a tooltip.
  3. Complete Exercises:
    Exercises appear in themed groups. Each must be solved in order; your progress is saved as you go.
  4. Inspect Files:
    Use cat, head, tail, wc, and grep to explore file content.
  5. Experiment Freely:
    No real files or directories are changed — it’s all virtual and safe!

Getting started (developer instructions)

  1. Clone the repository:

    git clone https://github.com/yourusername/linux-navigation-simulator.git
cd linux-navigation-simulator

  2. Install dependencies:

    npm install
# or
yarn install

  3. Start local development server:

    npm run dev
# or
yarn run dev

  4. Build for GitHub Pages deployment:

    npm run build
# then follow your static hosting instructions

Customization

  • Edit Exercises:
    Add or modify missions in src/components/Missions.tsx.
  • Filesystem Structure:
    Adjust the virtual filesystem and file contents in src/fs.ts.
  • Add More Commands:
    Extend shell logic in src/hooks/useShell.tsx.

License

MIT

Demo

Hosted online here lauralwd.github.io/linux_simulator/

Contact & Contributions

Pull requests, issues, and suggestions welcome!
Created by Laura Dijkhuizen for Linux & HPC for life sciences teaching at Utrecht University.