How to find the Linux OS version in command?

Finding the Linux OS Version in Command

When it comes to navigating the Linux operating system, one of the most essential commands is the uname command. This command is used to display information about the Linux distribution, including the version, architecture, and machine type. In this article, we will explore how to find the Linux OS version in command.

What is the uname Command?

The uname command is a built-in Linux utility that displays information about the Linux distribution. It is used to retrieve information about the operating system, including the version, architecture, and machine type. The command is often used in Linux commands to verify the operating system and its version.

Basic Syntax of the uname Command

The basic syntax of the uname command is as follows:

uname -a

• -a option: This option displays detailed information about the operating system, including the version, architecture, and machine type.

Displaying the Linux OS Version

To find the Linux OS version, you can use the -v option with the uname command. This option displays the version number of the operating system.

uname -v

• Version Number: The version number is displayed in the format <version> <release> <version> <release> <version>.
• Example: Linux 5.10.0-13-generic x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

Displaying the Linux OS Architecture

To find the Linux OS architecture, you can use the -m option with the uname command. This option displays the architecture of the operating system.

uname -m

• Architecture: The architecture is displayed in the format <architecture>.
• Example: x86_64

Displaying the Linux OS Machine Type

To find the Linux OS machine type, you can use the -g option with the uname command. This option displays the machine type of the operating system.

uname -g

• Machine Type: The machine type is displayed in the format <machine type>.
• Example: x86_64

Displaying the Linux OS Release

To find the Linux OS release, you can use the -r option with the uname command. This option displays the release of the operating system.

uname -r

• Release: The release is displayed in the format <release>.
• Example: 5.10.0-13-generic

Displaying the Linux OS Kernel Version

To find the Linux OS kernel version, you can use the -k option with the uname command. This option displays the kernel version of the operating system.

uname -k

• Kernel Version: The kernel version is displayed in the format <kernel version>.
• Example: 5.10.0-13-generic

Displaying the Linux OS Machine Type and Architecture

To find the Linux OS machine type and architecture, you can use the -m and -g options with the uname command. This option displays the machine type and architecture of the operating system.

uname -m -g

• Machine Type: The machine type is displayed in the format <machine type>.
• Architecture: The architecture is displayed in the format <architecture>.
• Example: x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored how to find the Linux OS version in command. The uname command is a powerful tool that provides information about the Linux distribution, including the version, architecture, and machine type. By using the -v, -m, -g, and -r options with the uname command, you can retrieve detailed information about the operating system. Additionally, the -k option with the uname command provides the kernel version of the operating system. By mastering the uname command, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Linux operating system and its components.

Table: Linux OS Information

Option	Description
-a	Displays detailed information about the operating system, including the version, architecture, and machine type.
-v	Displays the version number of the operating system.
-m	Displays the architecture of the operating system.
-g	Displays the machine type of the operating system.
-r	Displays the release of the operating system.
-k	Displays the kernel version of the operating system.
-m -g	Displays the machine type and architecture of the operating system.

Example Use Cases

• To find the Linux OS version, use the uname -v command.
• To display the Linux OS architecture, use the -m option with the uname command.
• To display the Linux OS machine type, use the -g option with the uname command.
• To display the Linux OS release, use the -r option with the uname command.
• To display the Linux OS kernel version, use the -k option with the uname command.
• To display the machine type and architecture of the operating system, use the -m -g option with the uname command.