How to Use the Screen Command in Linux

This command is used to create a new session inside your current session. It typically is used to run long-running process. The process will continue to run even if current session is terminated whether due to bad connection or an exit. It can be used to log in to a specific session and resume the process where it’s left off.

General syntax for screen command:

screen [OPTIONS] [SESSION NAME]

Create a session with specified name

screen -S [file]

The -S option creates a new window within the screen and names it.

Example: Let’s name our session “newexample” and start a new window.

List all screen processes

screen -ls

This option displays all currently open windows, including those running in the background.

Example: Typing the screen -ls command to display the number of screens available.

Reattach the Terminal’s session

screen -r [filename]

Use this option to reattach a screen session which was detached in past.

Example: Reattaching the previously disconnected screen session named example.

Detach a session

screen -d [file]

The -d option is used to detach the screen session, allowing it to be reattached later.

Example: Listing all currently attached screens and detaching the session named newfile.

Share a screen’s session

screen -X [sharing_session]

This option allows two people to log into the same account from different locations.

Example: The user called username is logging into the ubuntu account and connecting to the screen session newexample.