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Asked: 2024-09-25T03:59:50+05:30 In:

What are the steps to install the tree command using the terminal in Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to get a new command-line tool up and running on my Ubuntu system, and I could really use some help. So, I recently heard about the “tree” command, which supposedly gives you a nice visual representation of your directory structure. It looks really handy for keeping track of files and folders, especially when navigating through deep directory trees.

Here’s why I’m asking for help: I’ve done some poking around, but I can’t quite figure out how to install it through the terminal. I mean, I’m somewhat comfortable using the terminal for basic tasks, but anytime it comes to installing software, I start feeling like I’m diving into the deep end without a floatie. Could someone break it down into simple steps?

I want to make sure I’m doing everything right, so first, I imagine I need to open the terminal. Do I just hit Ctrl + Alt + T, or is there some other shortcut I should be using? After that, what’s the first command I need to type? I keep hearing about “apt-get” and “apt,” and honestly, I’m a little confused about what the difference is.

Once I get the right command in, do I just hit Enter, or will it ask me any questions? I remember last time I tried to install something, it wanted me to confirm with ‘Y’ or ‘N’—is that something I should expect with this too?

Also, after it’s installed, how do I actually use the tree command? Do I just type “tree” followed by the directory name, or is there a specific way I should be using it to see my files? I’d love to get some tips on the most useful flags or options that can make it even more powerful.

I really appreciate any detailed step-by-step guidance you can give me. It’s great to learn new commands, but I can’t help but feel a bit lost sometimes, especially when it comes to installing new tools. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers


    1. To install the “tree” command on your Ubuntu system, start by opening your terminal. You can do this quickly by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. Once your terminal is open, you’ll want to run the installation command. You can use either apt or apt-get, as they serve similar purposes, although apt is more user-friendly. To install “tree,” simply type the following command and hit Enter:

      sudo apt install tree

      After executing the command, it might prompt you to enter your user password (you won’t see the characters while typing), and then it will ask for confirmation with a ‘Y’ or ‘N’. Type ‘Y’ and hit Enter to proceed with the installation. Once it’s installed, using the “tree” command is straightforward. To display the directory structure of the current folder, just run:

      tree

      If you want to visualize a specific directory, use:

      tree /path/to/directory

      Additionally, some useful flags include -L to limit the depth of the output and -a to show hidden files. For example:

      tree -L 2

      will show the directory structure up to two levels deep. This should help you navigate your files more easily!




    2. Installing the Tree Command on Ubuntu

      Installing the Tree Command on Ubuntu

      No worries! Let’s break it down step by step:

      Step 1: Open the Terminal

      You can open the terminal by hitting Ctrl + Alt + T. This shortcut works on most versions of Ubuntu!

      Step 2: Update Your Package List

      Before installing any new software, it’s a good idea to update your system’s package list to make sure you’re getting the latest version. Type this command and hit Enter:

      sudo apt update

      You might be asked for your password. Just type it in (you won’t see anything appear on the screen—this is normal!) and hit Enter.

      Step 3: Install Tree

      Now, to install the tree command, type the following command and press Enter:

      sudo apt install tree

      After you run this command, it will show you how much space it will take and might ask you to confirm by typing Y (for yes) or N (for no). Just type Y and hit Enter to continue the installation.

      Step 4: Using the Tree Command

      Once it’s installed, you can start using the tree command! Just type:

      tree

      This will give you a visual representation of the current directory’s structure. If you want to see the structure of a specific directory, just type:

      tree /path/to/directory

      Just replace /path/to/directory with the actual path you want to look at.

      Useful Options

      Here are some cool options to make tree even more useful:

      • -L level: Limits the display of the tree to a certain number of levels. For example, tree -L 2 shows only two levels of directories.
      • -a: Shows all files and folders, including hidden ones (those that start with a dot).
      • -d: Only list directories, not files.

      Final Tips

      Playing around with different flags can help you see what works best for you! If you ever get stuck, you can always type man tree in the terminal to see the manual for the tree command and its options.

      That’s it! You’ve got this. Happy exploring!


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