Services and System Control

systemctl

Controls systemd services and system state.

systemctl starts, stops, enables, disables, reloads, and inspects systemd units such as services, timers, sockets, and targets.

Syntax
systemctl [command] [unit]

Arguments explained

  • status shows current state.
  • start and stop affect the current boot.
  • enable and disable affect startup.
  • restart stops then starts.
  • reload asks a service to reread configuration if supported.

Common examples

Inspect a service
systemctl status ssh

Shows service state, recent logs, and unit metadata.

Enable and start
sudo systemctl enable --now nginx

Starts nginx now and enables it at boot.

systemctl Command
FieldDetails
Commandsystemctl
CategoryServices and System Control
Primary useControls systemd services and system state.
Syntaxsystemctl [command] [unit]