Overview
In Linux, you can run multiple tasks simultaneously in a single terminal. The `jobs` command lists the jobs running within the current shell session, showing which jobs are running in the background or are stopped. This allows users to control the state of jobs using commands like `fg` (bring to foreground) or `bg` (run in background). `jobs` is especially useful when executing long-running tasks without tying up the terminal. If `jobs` produces no output, it means there are no jobs currently running in the background or temporarily stopped.
Key Features
The main features of the `jobs` command are:
- Shows background jobs running in the current shell.
- Allows individual jobs to be identified by their job number.
- Displays the status of jobs (running, stopped, done, etc.).
- Used to control jobs with commands like `fg` or `bg`.
Job Statuses
The `jobs` command can output the following job statuses:
- Running: The job is currently executing in the background.
- Stopped: The job is temporarily suspended. You can stop it by pressing `Ctrl+Z`.
- Done: The job has completed successfully.
- Terminated: The job has terminated abnormally.
Key Options
Commonly used `jobs` command options are grouped by purpose.
1) Output Options
2) Help
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Usage Examples
Explore the various functionalities of the `jobs` command through examples.
Start and Check Background Job
sleep 60 &
jobsRun `sleep 60` in the background (`&`), then check its status with `jobs`.
Suspend and Check a Job
ping google.com
(Ctrl+Z 입력)
jobsRun the `ping` command, press `Ctrl+Z` to suspend it, then check its status with `jobs`.
Run a Suspended Job in Background
bg %1Using `bg` command, resume a suspended job (`Stopped`) identified by `jobs` in the background.
Bring a Background Job to Foreground
fg %2Using `fg` command, bring a running job (`Running`) identified by `jobs` to the foreground.
List Jobs with PID
jobs -lUse the `-l` option to display job number, status, and PID together.
Installation
`jobs` is a built-in command of the shell (bash, zsh, etc.) and does not require separate installation.
Tips & Considerations
Important points to note when using the `jobs` command.
Tips
- Use the `&` symbol to run a command in the background (e.g., `long_running_script.sh &`).
- `Ctrl+Z` is a shortcut to temporarily suspend (stop) the currently running foreground job. A suspended job can be resumed with `bg` (background) or brought back to the foreground with `fg`.
- `jobs` only shows tasks initiated in the current shell. To view tasks running in other terminals, you should use the `ps` command.