YES! You can run a Linux terminal on your Android smartphone.
It’s very easy to install a Linux terminal on an Android device and it doesn’t consumes a lot of memory. You should also note that, Android is based on Linux Kernel. This makes it easier to run a Linux terminal on an Android device. Also, you don’t have to root your device for this purpose.
There are several Apps available on the Play store for Linux terminal such as Termux, Terminal Emulator for Android, Shell Terminal Emulator, etc. I will talk about Termux here.
How to install Termux
Termux is available for Android devices running on Android Nougat and above. To install Termux, simply go to the Play store and search for it. It is developed by Fredrik Fornwall. Just tap on install and wait for the installation to complete.
Here’s a direct link for the App : click here
Using the Termux
Termux is an Android terminal emulator and Linux environment application that works directly with no rooting or setup required. For keeping the image small. only a minimal base system is installed automatically, additional packages are available using the APT package manager.
APT stands for
Advanced Package Tool
suppose, you have to install Python, just enter the command :
apt install python
Advanced information about program usage and any commands can be viewed through man tool.
To exit the Termux, enter the exit command and hit Enter twice.
Features of Termux
Termux combines powerful terminal emulation with an extensive Linux package collection. These are the features of Termux :
- Enjoy the bash and zsh shells
- Edit files with nano and vim
- Access servers over ssh
- Develop in C with clang, make and gdb
- Use the python console as a pocket calculator
- Check out projects with git and subversion
- Run text-based games with frotz
Addons for Termux
Termux has some extra features, which are separately available as Addons. You can install them from Play store too. These are the addons :
Termux:API – Access Android and Chrome hardware features.
Termux:Boot – Run script(s) when your device boots.
Termux:Float – Run Termux in a floating window.
Termux:Styling – Have color schemes and powerline-ready fonts customize the appearance of the Termux terminal.
Termux:Tasker – An easy way to call Termux executables from Tasker and compatible apps.
Termux:Widget – Start small scriptlets from the home screen
Can I use Termux for hacking?
Yes, you can, but this is more a question of your skills rather than Termux features. There are some tools which may (or may not) help you in penetration testing.
For example: aircrack-ng (set of utilities for Wi-Fi security audit), hydra (brute force tool), metasploit (platform for testing against known vulnerabilities) or nmap (port scanner). Various development tools like clang and python are available too.
Certain tools like aircrack-ng require your device to be rooted and/or even run a custom Linux kernel with additional drivers and patches.
A letter from Termux to “hackers”:
We are not helping with hacking. No matter for which purpose you need it – we do not care about your learning needs and dirty mind. Just do not ask about hacking Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Telegram and whatever else. And do not ask about rooting your device – our community is not XDA forum
A letter from Termux to hacking tutorial seekers:
Beware of scripts suggested to be executed in various “hacking tutorials” available on the Internet. Most of them actually do not work properly (outdated ?). Some of them break Termux environment or even installs malware. Termux developers are not responsible about any damage which may happen by following these “tutorials”.
Final Words
In today’s world, Android devices are very popular among all over the world. Developers are porting as many Desktop features to Android devices as they can. Termux is also one of them, which allows you to carry a Linux terminal in your pocket.
