Linux sudo command

The “sudo” command in Linux is used to execute commands with elevated privileges. It allows authorized users to run programs or perform administrative tasks as the superuser or another specified user, typically by providing their own password for authentication.

Here is the basic syntax of the “sudo” command:

sudo [options] command

Here’s a practical example of how to use the “sudo” command:

1. Run a command with superuser privileges:

   sudo command

Replace “command” with the actual command you want to execute with elevated privileges. This command will prompt you to enter your own password (not the root password) for authentication.

Example:

   $ sudo apt update
   [sudo] password for username:

In this example, the “sudo” command is used to update the system’s package information by executing the “apt update” command with superuser privileges. Upon entering the correct password, the command is executed as the superuser.

2. Run a command as another user:

   sudo -u username command

Replace “username” with the actual username of the user you want to run the command as, and “command” with the command you want to execute. This command will prompt you to enter your own password for authentication.

Example:

   $ sudo -u john ls /home/john
   [sudo] password for username:

In this example, the “sudo” command is used to execute the “ls” command as the user “john”. It lists the contents of the “/home/john” directory, executing the command with the privileges of the “john” user after authentication.

The “sudo” command provides a flexible and secure way to perform administrative tasks or execute commands with elevated privileges, without having to log in as the root user. It allows authorized users to carry out specific operations while maintaining accountability and logging of their actions. Please exercise caution when using “sudo” and ensure that you only grant the necessary privileges to trusted users to avoid unintended consequences.