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What is logout Linux command?

The Linux logout command is used to log out of a session and close all open windows. It terminates the session and returns the user to the login screen.

Terminal window
logout
OptionDescription
N/ANo options available
ParameterDescription
N/ANo parameters available
Terminal window
logout

Logs out the current user from the shell session.

Terminal window
logout -f

Forcibly terminates the current user’s shell session, regardless of any running processes.

Terminal window
logout --all

Logs out the current user and closes all open shell sessions.

Display Help Information for Logout Command

Section titled “Display Help Information for Logout Command”
Terminal window
logout --help

Displays a help message with information on how to use the logout command.

Terminal window
logout ssh

Logs out the user and terminates the SSH session when logged in remotely.

To use the logout command in bash, execute the following command:

Terminal window
logout

Can I logout from a remote system using the logout command?

Section titled “Can I logout from a remote system using the logout command?”

No, the logout command is used to terminate the current session on the system where it is executed. To logout from a remote system, you can either close the terminal or use the exit command.

How can I force a logout without confirmation in Linux?

Section titled “How can I force a logout without confirmation in Linux?”

To force a logout without confirmation in Linux, you can use the following command:

Terminal window
logout -f

Is it possible to logout from a specific user account using the logout command?

Section titled “Is it possible to logout from a specific user account using the logout command?”

No, the logout command is used to terminate the current session of the user executing the command. To logout from a specific user account, you can use the pkill command with the username.

Can I restart the system using the logout command?

Section titled “Can I restart the system using the logout command?”

No, the logout command is specifically used to terminate the current user session. If you want to restart the system, you can use the reboot command.

Is there a way to logout from multiple user sessions at the same time?

Section titled “Is there a way to logout from multiple user sessions at the same time?”

No, the logout command can only terminate the session of the user executing the command. To logout from multiple user sessions, you would need to execute the logout command separately for each session.

How can I log out from a graphical user interface (GUI) using the logout command?

Section titled “How can I log out from a graphical user interface (GUI) using the logout command?”

The logout command is typically used in the terminal. To log out from a GUI, you can either use the logout option provided in the graphical interface or use the terminal to execute the appropriate command for the specific GUI environment.

What happens if I try to use the logout command in a script or a non-interactive shell?

Section titled “What happens if I try to use the logout command in a script or a non-interactive shell?”

If you try to use the logout command in a script or a non-interactive shell, it will not work as expected. The logout command is intended to terminate the current interactive shell session for a user.

  • To securely end a user session
  • To clear any cached credentials
  • To enforce user access control policies
  • To prevent unauthorized access to the system