Although Linux is a stable operating system, users occasionally face challenges with starting services or apps. In such cases, the journalctl command is invaluable as it queries the systemd journal for logs that can reveal why a service failed to start. By utilizing journalctl effectively, especially with specific filtering options, users can navigate through the logs to find relevant information and troubleshoot their issues. This command is essential for anyone utilizing a Linux distribution that operates on the systemd system.
Nodar Chernishev/Getty Images Something rarely goes wrong with Linux, but that doesn't mean the operating system is immune to problems. Every once in a while, I'll install a new service or app and then go to start it with the command: sudo systemctl start NAME Where NAME is the name of the app or service. Also: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learn There have been instances where the service refuses to start or run properly. When that happens, where do you turn? You could always check log files (usually the best place to start) or turn to another command that is a companion to systemctl. That command is journalctl. The journalctl command queries the systemd journal and lists the contents of a journal that could include insights into why a particular app or service isn't running properly.
Let me show you how to use this command, so you don't have to be in the dark as to why things aren't going as planned. How to use journalctl What you'll need: The only thing you'll need for this task is a Linux distribution that uses systemd, which is most of the major distributions.
When I ran the command, there were only 41 lines of output. I've seen instances where there were hundreds of lines in the output, which made using the command without arguments or options a bit unhelpful. Also: 10 Linux apps I install on every new machine (and why you should, too) Fortunately, you can filter out a lot of that noise.
In this case, -u stands for unit, or a specific systemd unit (think 'service'). Also: How to create system restore points on Linux with Timeshift - and why you should The output of the above com
Collection
[
|
...
]