Solutions: Repeat Command in Ubuntu Terminal

Repeat Command in Terminal

Solutions: Repeat Command in Ubuntu Terminal can significantly boost your productivity. Repetitive tasks can often feel boring, even for seasoned Linux users. Whether you’re re-running a failed command, monitoring real-time outputs, or testing scripts, the ability to efficiently repeat commands in the Ubuntu terminal can significantly boost your productivity.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical methods to repeat commands in the terminal effortlessly. From leveraging Bash shortcuts and history features to using advanced command-line tools, you’ll discover solutions tailored to various scenarios. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these tips will help you save time and streamline your workflow.

Let’s dive into the world of terminal magic!

About the `watch` Command

watch runs command repeatedly, displaying its output and errors (the first screenfull). This allows you to watch the program output change over time. By default, command is run every 2 seconds and watch will run until interrupted.

For more details about watch command, you can check the link.

Example of `watch` Command

Whether you’re monitoring system resources, tracking log file changes, or observing temperature readings from hardware sensors, watch provides a dynamic way to automate and visualize recurring command executions.

Monitor temperature every 2 seconds on Pi4 device:

The command continuously monitors the temp1 sensor’s value and displays only the second field (likely the temperature). The watch command refreshes this information at regular intervals, making it easy to track changes in real-time.

watch 'sensors | grep "temp1" | awk "{print \$2}"'

watch: Repeats the provided command at regular intervals (default is every 2 seconds). Useful for monitoring output over time.
sensors: Displays hardware sensor readings such as CPU temperature, fan speed, and voltage. Requires the lm-sensors package to be installed.
| (Pipe): Passes the output of sensors to the next command in the pipeline.
grep "temp1": Searches for lines in the sensors output that contain the text “temp1”. This is commonly associated with a specific temperature sensor.
awk "{print \$2}": Processes the filtered output from grep. It selects and prints the second field (usually the temperature value), assuming fields are separated by whitespace or similar delimiters.