How to use commands to switch user accounts in Linux

Switch user accounts in Linux: Use the su command: used to temporarily switch users and retain the current session. Use sudo command: used to switch users with administrator privileges without retaining the current session.

Use commands to switch user accounts in Linux

In the Linux operating system, you can use the command line to easily switch user account. The two most common methods are introduced below:

Method 1: su command

The su command allows you to temporarily switch to another user. The syntax is as follows:

su [username]

For example:

su bob

This will switch to user "bob" while retaining the current user session.

Method 2: sudo command

The sudo command allows you to execute commands with administrator privileges, including switching users. The syntax is as follows:

sudo -u [username] [command]

For example:

sudo -u bob whoami

This will execute the "whoami" command as user "bob". Note that you need to enter the current user's password to use the sudo command.

Detailed explanation:

su command:

• su allows you to temporarily switch to another user while No need to exit the current session.
• After switching, you will have the permissions of the target user.
• To return to the original user, type "exit".

sudo command:

• sudo executes commands with administrator privileges, including switching users.
• Unlike su, sudo does not retain the current session when switching users.
• You must enter the current user's password to use sudo.
• -u option specifies the user to switch to.

Examples:

Here are some examples of switching users using su and sudo:

• Switching using su To user "bob":

su bob

• Run the command as user "bob":

sudo -u bob mkdir new_directory

• Switch back to the original user from user "bob":

exit

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