Find out how to get the most out of Termux on Android

Termux is one of the most amazing tools you can incorporate into your Android device if you are interested in the world of Linux or simply want to perform advanced tasks from your mobile. This application turns your phone into an environment that simulates a terminal Linux, allowing you to run commands and use tools that you would normally only have available on a PC or server running this operating system. From the Termux terminal you can manage packages, connect to remote servers, and even develop in various languages. programming.

With Termux, you don't just get access to a terminal emulation; you can also install different software tools that run on Linux distributions like Debian or Ubuntu. This makes it a powerful tool for system administrators, software developers, and tech-savvy people who want to experiment with terminals on their mobile device. Additionally, Termux is very secure, as it doesn't require the device to be rooted to operate, limiting the chances of compromising the system.

What is Termux and how does it work?

Termux is basically a terminal app for Android that uses a Linux environment that you can interact with via text commands. When you install Termux, it automatically sets up a minimal base system that you can start working with. From there, you can download and manage different software packages with the APT package manager, allowing you to extend its functionality considerably.

For those of you who are already familiar with systems like Linux, you probably know how important it is to be able to run commands like “apt update” or “apt install” to manage software. Termux not only allows this, but it does so very efficiently on an Android system. Also, one of its plus points is that the terminal emulator is very complete and highly customizable, which gives you the possibility to adapt the experience to your needs. You can also manage remote systems using SSH, which is useful for professionals in the ciberseguridad or network administrators.

Key Features of Termux

• Customizable: You can install a wide variety of packages using the APT manager, from development tools like Git and Python to system administration tools like OpenSSH.
• Safe: While it doesn't have root privileges by default, which prevents dangerous actions from compromising the system, you can grant advanced permissions if you want, which opens up more possibilities.
• Advanced scan: With Termux, you can perform advanced tasks such as security audits using packages like Nmap or perform file transfers via Curl.
• Remote access: Termux allows you to connect to remote servers using SSH, which is very useful for accessing computers from anywhere.

Popular packages in Termux

Termux would not be as complete without the packages you can install to extend its capabilities. Here are some of the most interesting ones:

Nmap

Nmap is a network tool used to discover hosts and services on a network, and is popular among system administrators and security auditors.

OpenSSH

OpenSSH is perhaps the most important tool when it comes to connecting remotely to servers. It allows for secure connections with advanced encryption.

curl

Curl is a very useful tool for performing file transfers and executing HTTP requests directly from the terminal. It is an indispensable tool for web developers.

Vim

Vim is one of the most versatile and popular text editors for Linux terminals. While its shortcuts and working modes take some getting used to, it offers you enormous flexibility when editing text.

Basic commands in Termux

To start using Termux effectively, it is important to know the key commands. Here are some of the most useful ones for beginners:

• apt update: Updates the list of available packages.
• apt install [package]: Install a specific package.
• cd [directory]: Change the working directory.
• ls: List the files and directories in the current directory.
• ifconfig: Displays the network settings of the device, including the IP address.
• exit: Close the terminal or end a session.

How to use Termux for development and administration

Termux's potential is not limited to just the command line. Many developers use it as an environment to program in different languages, such as Python, Node.js, or even C. Termux allows you to install compilers and other development tools like Make and GDB to debug code, turning your Android device into a mini development machine.

If networking and system administration is your thing, Termux has plenty to offer as well. Applications like OpenSSH allow you to manage servers from anywhere, which is ideal for system administrators who need constant remote access. Plus, the ability to enable lightweight desktop environments like X11 by configuring VNC makes it an even more versatile tool.

Termux and security

Something we should not overlook is the focus that some users have on cybersecurity when using Termux. While it is true that the application allows you to install tools that are used in security auditing and even hacking When using ethical tools such as Nmap or Metasploit, it is important to remember that misuse of these tools can have legal consequences. It is always advisable to use these tools for educational or testing purposes, and never to compromise third-party systems illegally.

Also, if you are an advanced user, you can configure your files dotfiles in Termux to keep your settings synchronized across multiple devices. This can be easily done by using Git to clone your repositories or even by synchronizing passwords using key managers like pass. All this demonstrates how Termux can be integrated into a professional work environment.

We can conclude that Termux is not just a terminal emulator for Android. Whether you are developing apps, managing servers or simply experimenting with Linux on your mobile, the flexibility and potential it offers is unmatched. Tweaking it to suit your specific needs is one of the best things it offers, making it an indispensable tool for any advanced Android user.