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history Command in Linux

history Command in Linux

Topics Covered

Overview

The history command in Linux is a powerful tool that allows users to view and manipulate previously executed commands. It enables users to save time and effort by quickly retrieving and re-executing past commands without having to retype them manually.

Linux history Command Syntax

The syntax for the history command is as follows:

Where:

  • options: These are the optional flags that can be used with the history command to modify its behavior.

history Command Options:

  • -c: Clears the history list by deleting all the entries.
  • -d OFFSET: Deletes the history entry at the specified offset.
  • -w [FILENAME]: Writes the current history to the file specified or the default history file if no filename is given.
  • -r [FILENAME]: Reads the history file and appends its content to the current history list.

Example Usages

  • Display the command history:

    Output:

    Explanation: This command lists all the commands executed previously in the current shell session, with a unique command number preceding each command.

  • Execute the most recent command:

    Output:

    Explanation: This command re-executes the most recent command in the history list, which in this case is 'pwd'.

Tips

  • Use the 'history | grep keyword' combination to search for specific commands in the history list.

  • Press the 'Up Arrow' key to cycle through previous commands, making it easier to find and re-execute them.

Advanced Use Cases of history Command in Linux

  • Execute a specific command from the history list:

    Output:

    Explanation: This command re-executes the command with the specified number (2 in this case) from the history list.

  • Execute the most recent command starting with a specific string:

    Output:

    Explanation: This command re-executes the most recent command in the history list that starts with the specified string 'ls'.

  • Display a specific range of history entries:

    Output:

    Explanation: This command displays the history entries within the specified range (from 2 to 4 in this case).

Conclusion

  • The history command helps users quickly access and re-execute previously executed commands.

  • Options like -c, -d, -w, and -r allow users to modify the behavior of the history command.

  • Advanced usages include executing specific commands from the history list or displaying a range of history entries.