Mastering terminal commands to list Linux services delivers significant advantages over GUI tools, particularly for administration and troubleshooting.
Essential Terminal Commands
Modern distributions using systemd should utilize:
- List Active Services:
systemctl list-units --type=service --state=running - List All Services (including inactive):
systemctl list-units --type=service --all - View Service Status & Details:
systemctl status <service_name> - Filter by Load State:
systemctl list-unit-files --type=service grep enabled
Advantages Over GUI Methods
- Scripting & Automation: Output integrates seamlessly into scripts for automated health checks or reports.
- Speed & Precision: Retrieve specific service states instantly with targeted flags (e.g.,
--state=failed). - Remote Management: Manage headless servers effortlessly via SSH without relying on graphical interfaces.
- Comprehensive Data: Access detailed information like dependencies, PID, memory usage, and control commands directly in the output.
- Consistency: Commands work uniformly across all distributions using systemd, avoiding GUI tool variations.
Legacy System V Compatibility
For older systems using System V init:
- List Services:
service --status-all - Check Status:
/etc/init.d/<service_name> status
Transitioning to terminal commands elevates service management by providing granular control, faster results, and automation capabilities crucial for efficient Linux administration.
