[scubbo]

> Is there a reason websites put that $ in front of commands you are fully expected to mindlessly copy and paste?

As well as the answers you've already been given (distinguishes input from output, distinguishes root from non-), one answer is contained in your own question - it prevents mindless copy-pasting.

[eviks]

Except it doesn't, removing $ has no positive effect on your mind

[scubbo]

I'd claim that I'm technically correct - you _cannot_ mindlessly copy-paste `$-prefixed` code into a terminal and have it execute, because the `$` will result in a syntax error - but you are, indeed, correct to say that it is possible the _then_ mindlessly delete the `$` without thinking about the rest of the content. But it's another prompt, at least!

[eviks]

if you want to be that technical, than start with the fact that you can easily mindlessly copy&paste, it just won't execute, which is technically a separate thing

(another prompt is just an annoyance for no benefit)