Windows
Linux
Services & Processes
Processes
Windows start /b equivalent in Linux
Starts a command without blocking the shell from accepting additional input.
Windows
→
start /b
Linux equivalents
command &
command &
command &
Overview
What this command does
Starts a command without blocking the shell from accepting additional input.
Migration tip: The shell prints a job number and process ID. Use
jobs, fg and bg to manage shell jobs.Practical tasks
Common use cases
Run a command in the background
Starts a command without blocking the shell from accepting additional input.
long-command &
Start a background job
jobs
List background jobs
fg %1
Bring job 1 to the foreground
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
long-command &
jobs
fg %1
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
long-command & # start a background job
jobs # list jobs in the current shell
fg %1 # return a job to the foregroundReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
long-command & | Start a background job |
jobs | List background jobs |
fg %1 | Bring job 1 to the foreground |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
This command is the same on Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch Linux when the relevant tool is installed.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | command & |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | command & |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | command & |
Same command on this distribution. |
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