Linux a powerhouse known for its strength and versatility harbors a playful side full of hidden surprises affectionately called “Easter Eggs.” These little treasures are tucked away within the operating system waiting to be uncovered by curious minds.
Let’s embark on a journey to explore ten of the coolest Linux Easter Eggs unearthing their secrets and learning how to bring them to life.
A Dose of Humor: Fortune and Cowsay
Linux loves to surprise its users with witty and thought-provoking quotes.
Let’s start with the “fortune” command.
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It’s like having a little friend who dispenses inspiring words and chucklesome wisdom.
To use this command you’ll first need to install the Fortune-Mod package.
To install the Fortune-Mod package:
sudo apt-get install fortune-modNow you can type the following command to see a random quote:
fortuneYou’ll be greeted with a random quote or joke.
It’s a delightful way to start your day or inject a dash of humor into your command-line adventures.
Next meet the ASCII Cow! There’s a hidden gem in Linux called “cowsay” that lets you generate entertaining ASCII art.
To install cowsay use this command:
sudo apt-get install cowsayTo unleash the cowsay magic simply type:
cowsay "Hello World!"You’ll see a charming cow with a speech bubble displaying your message.
It’s a fun way to communicate in the terminal and brings a bit of whimsy to your coding sessions.
Unleashing the Games: Snake and Tetris
Did you know that Linux has a secret stash of classic games hiding in plain sight? These games are perfect for taking a quick break or for a nostalgic gaming session.
To play Snake in your terminal you’ll first need to install it.
Use this command:
sudo apt-get install snakeOnce installed simply type the following command to launch the game:
snakeIf you are using Debian you can play Snake by creating an alias.
Open the bashrc file with the Nano editor:
nano ~/.bashrcThen add the following line at the end of the file:
alias snake='python3 -m cgame.snake' Save the file with + and close the editor with + . Now reload the file with the following command to make the changes effective:
source ~/.bashrc Now type the command:
snakeTo play Tetris in your terminal you’ll first need to install it.
Use this command:
sudo apt-get install tetrisOnce installed you can play Tetris by creating an alias in Debian.
Open the bashrc file with the Nano editor:
nano ~/.bashrcThen add the following line at the end of the file:
alias tetris='python3 -m cgame.tetris'Save the file with + and close the editor with + . Now reload the file with the following command to make the changes effective:
source ~/.bashrcNow type the command:
tetrisThe Mystery of Vim-42: A nod to Douglas Adams
The Vim-42 Easter Egg is a playful tribute to Douglas Adams’s “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” where the number 42 is famously known as “the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life the Universe and Everything.”
To unlock this Easter Egg in Vim follow these steps:
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Open Vim.
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Type the following command:
:help 42
Vim will open its help documentation and you’ll find a section that humorously connects the number 42 with Vim.
It’s a lighthearted reference to “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” adding a dash of humor to your Vim experience.
Reversing Perspective: The “rev” Command
Let’s explore a playful command called “rev” which simply reverses text.
To use it simply type:
rev "Linux"The output will be “xunil” showcasing Linux from a flipped perspective.
The Train That Rides Your Terminal: “sl”
For a dose of whimsical delight there’s the “sl” command.
This command is a humorous misspelling of “ls” that triggers a train to chug across your terminal.
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To install “sl” use the following command:
sudo apt-get install slThen type:
slWatch as the train gracefully traverses the tracks of your terminal.
“moos”ing Your Way Through Apt: A Playful Command-Line Surprise
If you’re using the ‘apt’ command to install packages on Debian-based systems you can have a little fun by adding “moos” to the command.
For example instead of:
sudo apt install <package_name>Type:
sudo apt moo install <package_name>Add “moos” repeatedly to reveal a playful message.
It’s a playful wink to the sense of humor found within the Linux development community.
ASCII Banner Magic: Making Messages Grand
The “banner” command allows you to create ASCII art banners adding flair to your terminal output.
To get started install the banner package:
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sudo apt-get install bannerNow type the following command to create a banner:
banner "Hello World!"Your message will be transformed into a striking ASCII art banner adding a unique touch to your terminal.
Robot Finds Kitten: A Terminal Scavenger Hunt
Linux has its own version of the “Find the Hidden Object” game called “Robot Finds Kitten.” To play you’ll need to install it first.
Use this command to install “Robot Finds Kitten” on your system:
sudo apt-get install robot-finds-kittenNow open a terminal and type:
robot-finds-kittenNavigate through the terminal to find the hidden kitten.
The “bb” Command: A Nostalgic Journey Through 3D Text
The “bb” command provides a demo of a 3D text and graphics engine harking back to the early days of computer graphics.
To install the “bb” package use this command:
sudo apt-get install bbTo run the “bb” command type:
bbPrepare to take a nostalgic trip into the world of retro computer graphics.
Beyond the Code: Embrace the Playful Spirit
Linux isn’t just about commands and code.
There’s a vibrant spirit of creativity and fun woven into the fabric of this operating system.
These Easter Eggs reflect the human side of the Linux community.
Explore these playful nuggets of code and you’ll discover the spirit of fun that thrives within the world of Linux.
If you’re searching for more Linux Easter Eggs there are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Venture into online forums communities and books dedicated to these delightful surprises.
Dive deeper into the Linux culture and you’ll unearth even more Easter Eggs to enrich your Linux journey.