bash shell windows sudo command not found

Bash Shell: Understanding Sudo Command Not Found

When working with Linux systems, it's essential to understand the differences between various shell commands. One common misconception is the use of `sudo -su` versus `sudo su -`. In this article, we'll delve into the world of bash shells and explore why these two commands are often combined together.

The `sudo -su` command differs from `sudo su -` in that the `su` expression is treated as option flags of the `sudo` command. The `-s` flag is used to run a new shell, while the `-u` flag is used to run a command as a user different from root.

What Does Sudo -Su Do?

When you use the `sudo -su` command, it performs several tasks:

* Changes the current directory to the user's home directory

* Initializes environment variables HOME, SHELL, USER, LOGNAME, and PATH

* Clears all environment variables except for TERM

Why Can't I Use Sudo Su Alone?

The root account is typically disabled by default on most Linux distributions. This means that attempting to use the `su` command alone will result in an authentication error with a message like `su: Authentication failure:`.

When Is It Necessary To Use Sudo -Su?

In situations where you need to access a root shell, combining `sudo` and `su` is often necessary. This is because the `sudo` command only allows executing one command at a time, whereas `su` provides an interactive shell session. By using `sudo -su`, you can temporarily log into another user account and execute commands using its privileges.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between `sudo -su` and `sudo su -` is crucial when working with Linux systems. By mastering these commands, you'll be able to effectively manage your shell environment and access root privileges as needed. Remember that `sudo -su` provides an interactive shell session, whereas `sudo` only allows executing one command at a time.

Bash shell windows sudo command not found