Overview
`uname` is a utility used to print system information. The `-i` option, specifically, displays the system's hardware platform name, which is closely related to the CPU architecture.
Key Uses
- Identifying the system's hardware architecture
- Referencing when installing or configuring software dependent on a specific architecture
- Implementing conditional logic in scripts based on system type
Key Options
In addition to `-i`, the `uname` command offers various options to display different system information.
Information Output Options
Generated command:
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Description:
`uname` Executes the command.
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Usage Examples
Check Hardware Platform
uname -iPrints the hardware platform name of the current system.
Check Machine Hardware Name
uname -mPrints the machine hardware name of the system. May be similar to `-i`.
Check All System Information
uname -aPrints all `uname` information, including kernel name, hostname, kernel release, kernel version, machine hardware name, processor type, hardware platform, and operating system.
Tips & Notes
The output of `uname -i` may vary depending on the system architecture and distribution.
Meaning of Output Values
The output of `uname -i` indicates the system's hardware platform. For example, `x86_64` signifies a 64-bit Intel/AMD architecture. On some systems, the `-i` option may output the same value as the `-m` (machine hardware name) option, or it might produce no output at all. This depends on the `uname` implementation of the system.
Related Commands
- `arch`: Another simple command that prints the system architecture.
- `getconf LONG_BIT`: Can be used to check the system's bitness (32 or 64).
- `cat /etc/os-release`: Useful for checking detailed information about the operating system distribution.