How to get Linux on your phone and why should you.

For those of you who have used Linux OS, there's no point telling you guys the advantages or the applications of the Linux Command line; you already know. For those of you who haven't, the command line is basically where you can perform any function of your Operating System, albeit by writing it down in words, which is considered to be more subtle than mouse clicks or drag and drops by people like me. 
Also, the possibilities and the ease of access is limitless, for the command line gives you access to every bit of the System. 
Since there is so much ground to cover, I'll probably do another article later on its capability and the ubiquitous nature, but for now, I would just run you on how to get the thing on your Android Smartphone and some basic commands. 

The app I will use is Termux. I find it useful and simple, and it is free of any annoying ads. It comes with the basic configuration and any additional packages can be installed by the package manager. It probably has more packages than any of its competitors. Still, if you wish, you can go ahead and install any Linux Environment app which emulates the terminal, for they should all provide you with same thing.

1. Installing Termux and setting it up: 
This part is fairly simple. Just head over to the play store and search for Termux. Or get a direct download link by clicking here. For those of you who have a more solid knowledge of Linux or those who just want to be able to do more, you should also install the Termux Api (link here). The API basically allows you to control your messages, clipboard and settings like GPS allowing for more wholesome tinkering. 
Since you execute a lot of actions that you would normally do on a desktop, you would need some keys not available on standard android keyboards, such as escape and arrow keys. You can either connect your device to a physical keyboard(Termux supports all keyboard shortcuts) or download a keyboard which offers these keys like the Hacker's Keyboard.

2. Getting Started: 

Okay now that you have the terminal, what can you do with it? The truth is, people are still figuring it out. Termux can perform most of the actions that the Linux Terminal can, and more features are still being added. Just remember, to install any new module, the command is apt-get install programmename. The list of packages supported by Termux can be found here.

Code:
If you are someone who is into coding and is on the move, Termux has an inbuilt gcc and g++ compiler for C and C++ coding. Other languages such as 
Python, Java, Ruby are also supported just by installing their packages. For example, to get Python, just type apt-get install python and that's it.
It your are looking at fancy editors for your code such as vim and nano, they all are available.

                                             

Development:
Termux also has full github support, so you can just sync your project on your phone. You can thus make commits and push them truly on the go. 

Hosting a  website:
While there are many other ways to have a server running on your phone, getting it done by a linux server has a lot benefits. For instance, if you are one of the unlucky people who have to use node.js, take note, it works on termux. 



Controlling your device settings: 
When I write how you can use termux to control your messages, or settings, I know I will receive messages like, "But you can do the same thing without the app, right?". Yes you can. But sometime, its just more fun to take the longer way home, right? 

The possibilities listed here are a subset of what is actually achievable. IMO, the only reason you would use a linux command line on your phone is when you don't have your laptop around and you need to push something extremely urgently, or to look cool. Either ways, it is a good idea to have it around.

What would you do with the Command Line on your phone? Let us know is the comments below. 

A Cowsay command on the terminal