Efficient Methods to Determine Your Linux Distribution Version on the Command Line

How to Check Linux Version in Linux

In the world of Linux, knowing your system’s version is crucial for understanding its capabilities and limitations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, checking the Linux version is a fundamental task that can help you manage your system more effectively. This article will guide you through the process of checking the Linux version on various distributions, including Ubuntu, CentOS, and Fedora.

Using the hostnamectl Command

One of the simplest ways to check the Linux version is by using the `hostnamectl` command. This command is available on most Linux distributions and provides information about the system’s hostname, operating system, and kernel version. To use this command, open your terminal and type:

“`
hostnamectl
“`

The output will display the system’s operating system and kernel version. For example:

“`
Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS (Focal Fossa)
Kernel: Linux 5.4.0-42-generic
“`

This output tells us that the system is running Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS with the Linux kernel version 5.4.0-42-generic.

Using the lsb_release Command

Another popular command for checking the Linux version is `lsb_release`. This command is part of the Linux Standard Base (LSB) and provides detailed information about the distribution, release, and version. To use this command, open your terminal and type:

“`
lsb_release -a
“`

The output will provide information about the distribution, release, codename, and version. For example:

“`
No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description: Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS (Focal Fossa)
Release: 20.04
Codename: focal
“`

This output shows that the system is running Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS with the codename “focal.”

Using the uname Command

The `uname` command is a versatile tool that can provide information about the system’s kernel and operating system. To check the Linux version using `uname`, open your terminal and type:

“`
uname -a
“`

The output will display the kernel version and other details. For example:

“`
Linux mysystem 5.4.0-42-generic 46-Ubuntu SMP Fri Jul 10 00:22:07 UTC 2020 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
“`

This output indicates that the system is running the Linux kernel version 5.4.0-42-generic on an x86_64 architecture.

Conclusion

Checking the Linux version is an essential task for any Linux user. By using the `hostnamectl`, `lsb_release`, and `uname` commands, you can easily determine the version of your Linux distribution and kernel. This information can help you manage your system, troubleshoot issues, and make informed decisions about software installations and updates.