Using the `screen` command in CentOS

**1. Installation** The `screen` command is usually pre-installed on most CentOS systems. However, if it's missing, you can install it using the `yum` package manager: ```bash sudo yum install screen # If prompt the screen command is not found sudo dnf install epel-release ``` **2. Starting a New Screen Session** To start a new screen session, simply type the following command in your terminal: ```bash screen ``` This will create a new detached session, meaning it runs in the background even if you close your terminal window. **3. Working Within a Screen Session** Once you're inside a screen session, you can use your terminal as usual. You can run commands, navigate directories, and work on your tasks. **4. Navigating Screen Sessions** There are several ways to manage and navigate screen sessions: * **Listing Existing Sessions:** ```bash screen -ls ``` This command lists all active screen sessions with their session IDs and names (if set). * **Detaching from a Session:** There are two ways to detach from a screen session, leaving it running in the background: * **Using `Ctrl+a` followed by `d`:** This is the most common way. Press `Ctrl+a` (hold Control and press a), then release both keys and press `d`. * **Using `exit`:** If you're within a shell within the screen session, you can simply type `exit`. * **Reattaching to a Session:** To reattach to a detached screen session, use the following command, replacing `<session_id>` with the actual ID from the `screen -ls` output: ```bash screen -r <session_id> ``` **5. Screen Commands within a Session** Once you're inside a screen session, you can use several commands by pressing `Ctrl+a` followed by a key: * **Create a new window:** `Ctrl+a` then `c` * **Switch between windows:** `Ctrl+a` then number (e.g., `1`, `2`, etc.) * **List all windows:** `Ctrl+a` then `w` * **Kill the current window:** `Ctrl+a` then `x` * **Detach from the session:** `Ctrl+a` then `d` **6. Renaming a Screen Session** By default, screen sessions have generic names. You can rename a session using the following command within the session: ```bash screen -S <new_name> ``` Replace `<new_name>` with your desired session name. **7. Quitting Screen Completely** To completely quit a screen session and terminate all running processes within it, use the following command while detached (replace `<session_id>` with the actual ID): ```bash screen -S -Q quit <session_id> ``` **8. Additional Tips** * You can configure various screen settings using the `screenrc` file located in your home directory (`~/.screenrc`). * Screen allows you to split the terminal window into multiple panes within a single session. Refer to the `screen` man page (`man screen`) for more details on advanced features. I hope this comprehensive tutorial helps you effectively use the `screen` command in CentOS!
April 7, 2024, 8:22 a.m.