How to use the command "reboot" (with examples)

The “reboot” command is used to restart the computer system. It can be useful in scenarios where the system needs to be restarted either immediately or without gracefully shutting down.

Use case 1: Reboot immediately

Code:

sudo reboot

Motivation: The use case of rebooting a system immediately can arise after installing system updates or making changes that require a system restart. By using the “sudo reboot” command, the system will immediately restart without the need for manual intervention.

Explanation:

• “sudo”: This command prefix is used to run the subsequent command as the superuser or root, providing necessary permissions to restart the system.
• “reboot”: This is the command itself, which instructs the system to initiate a reboot.

Example output:

[sudo] password for user: 

The system will ask for the password associated with the user account. After entering the password, the system will initiate an immediate reboot.

Use case 2: Reboot immediately without gracefully shutting down

Code:

sudo reboot -q

Motivation: In some cases, it may be necessary to reboot the system without performing a graceful shutdown, such as when resolving critical system issues or troubleshooting unexpected behavior. The “sudo reboot -q” command allows for an immediate restart without clean shutdown procedures.

Explanation:

• “sudo”: As mentioned earlier, this command prefix provides the necessary permissions to restart the system.
• “reboot”: The command to initiate a reboot.
• “-q”: This option, which stands for “quiet mode,” instructs the system to reboot without a graceful shutdown. It bypasses any running processes or services that may prevent a restart.

Example output:

[sudo] password for user: 

The system prompts for the user’s password. After entering the password, the system will immediately reboot without gracefully shutting down any processes.

Conclusion:

The “reboot” command is a powerful tool to restart a system in both normal and non-graceful situations. By using “sudo reboot”, users can restart the system immediately after applying updates or making system changes. Additionally, using “sudo reboot -q” allows for an immediate restart without performing a clean shutdown. These use cases provide flexibility for users to manage their systems efficiently and effectively.