How to check Linux OS Version in Command Line

Introduction

Understanding the version of your Linux system is a fundamental aspect of managing and troubleshooting your computer. Whether you are a seasoned sysadmin or a Linux enthusiast, knowing your system’s version provides valuable insights into its capabilities and compatibility. In this article, we will explore various methods to check the Linux version, examining both distribution-specific and universal approaches.

1. Using lsb_release Command

The lsb_release command is a standard tool for retrieving Linux distribution information. Open your terminal and run the following command:

lsb_release -a

This will display a comprehensive set of details about your Linux distribution, including its ID, description, release, and codename.

Output example:

Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description:    Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS
Release:        20.04
Codename:       focal

2. Examining /etc/os-release File

On many modern Linux distributions, version information is stored in the /etc/os-release file. You can use the cat command to display its contents:

cat /etc/os-release

This file provides a standardized way of presenting information about the operating system, including its name, version, and other relevant details.

Output example:

NAME="Ubuntu"
VERSION="20.04.6 LTS (Focal Fossa)"
ID=ubuntu
ID_LIKE=debian
PRETTY_NAME="Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS"
VERSION_ID="20.04"
VERSION_CODENAME=focal
UBUNTU_CODENAME=focal

3. Checking /etc/issue File

Another method involves examining the /etc/issue file. Run the following command:

cat /etc/issue

This file often contains version information and can give you a quick overview of your Linux distribution.

Output example:

Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS \n \l

4. Displaying Kernel Information

While checking the Linux distribution version is crucial, understanding the kernel version is equally important. Use the uname command with the -a option to display detailed information about the kernel:

uname -a

This command reveals the kernel version, release date, architecture, and other relevant information.

Output example:

Linux dell-Latitude-3420 5.15.0-91-generic #101~20.04.1-Ubuntu SMP Thu Nov 16 14:22:28 UTC 2023 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

5. Using /etc/*-release Files

Some distributions store version information in specific release files. For example, on Ubuntu-based systems, you can check the /etc/lsb-release file:

cat /etc/lsb-release

This file might contain details specific to Ubuntu releases.

Output example:

DISTRIB_ID=Ubuntu
DISTRIB_RELEASE=20.04
DISTRIB_CODENAME=focal
DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION="Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS"

Conclusion

Checking the version of your Linux system is a straightforward yet crucial task. Whether you opt for the lsb_release command, inspect configuration files, or delve into kernel details, understanding your system’s version empowers you to make informed decisions about software compatibility and system updates.

See more:

• How to Install and Use Linux Screen Commands
• How to Copy Files Between Server and Local Using SCP Command