Navigating SSH History: How to Check Last Used Commands

SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol that enables secure remote access and command execution on networked computers. If you frequently use SSH to manage remote servers or perform file and directory modifications, it can be helpful to keep track of the last commands you've executed. This guide will show you how to utilize the history command to check your previous SSH sessions.

What is the history Command?

The history command in SSH is a powerful utility that allows users to recall and reuse previously executed commands. By frequently using this command, you can easily find and run previous commands without having to remember them from memory.

Using the history Command

To check the history of the last used commands, simply type the history command into your SSH terminal session. The basic syntax is as follows:

history

By default, this command will display a list of all previous commands, with a number in front of each command. These numbers correspond to the order in which the commands were executed. You can also specify the number of commands to display by adding a number as a parameter.

For example, if you want to check the last 10 commands, type:

history 10

and press Enter. The terminal will display the last 10 commands that you have executed.

Customizing Your SSH History

To further customize your SSH history, you can adjust the number of commands displayed or even search for specific commands. Here are a few additional tips:

Adjusting the Number of Commands

If you prefer to see more commands per page, you can use the history command with a larger number. For example, to see the last 20 commands, enter:

history 20

Running Specific Commands

If you want to run a specific command again, you can simply type the command number from the history output, followed by the Enter key. For example, if the command cp file1.txt file2.txt is the 5th command in the history list, you can run it again by typing:

5

Common SSH Commands

Here are some commonly used SSH commands you might find useful:

cd /path/to/directory - Change directory. ls -l - List files in long format. touch file.txt - Create an empty file. rm file.txt - Remove a file. cp file1 file2 - Copy a file. mv file1 file2 - Rename or move a file. grep "search_term" file.txt - Search for a term within a file. tar -cvf archive.tar file1 file2 - Create a tar archive.

Conclusion

Maintaining a history of commands in SSH is essential for effective remote server management. The history command is a powerful tool that helps you save time and effort by allowing you to quickly reuse previous commands. Whether you are a seasoned sysadmin or a casual user, understanding how to use the history command can greatly enhance your productivity in managing remote servers.

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