Linux is renowned for its unparalleled security features, one of which is the concept of ‘root’.
In the Linux world, the root user is the superuser and has the ultimate system privileges.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. It’s crucial to understand how to use these privileges wisely.
Let’s dive into how to become the root user in Linux.
Note: It’s always recommended to execute commands requiring root privileges using the ‘sudo’ command rather than switching to the root user.
Method 1: Use The ‘su’ Command
The most straightforward method to switch to the root user is using the ‘su’ command.
su -
After running this command, you’ll be prompted to enter the root password. Once authenticated, you’ll have a root shell and can execute any command.
Method 2: Use The ‘sudo’ Command
If your user account is in the sudoers list, you can use the ‘sudo’ command to execute commands with root privileges.
sudo command
Replace ‘command’ with the command you want to run. You’ll be prompted to enter your user password, not the root password. This is the most recommended method of executing root commands.
Method 3: Use ‘sudo’ To Switch To Root User
If for any reason, you need to switch to a root shell, you can use ‘sudo’ as follows:
sudo -i
This command will again ask for your user password. Once authenticated, you’ll switch to a root shell.
Remember, being root in Linux comes with caveats. Always ensure you know what you’re doing before executing any commands as root. Misuse of these privileges can lead to system instability or even data loss. Always use ‘sudo’ for executing single commands as it provides an extra layer of security.