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alias

Create an alias for a command

command Shell UtilitiesCustomization

Overview

Allows users to create, display, or remove command aliases. Aliases are shortcuts or custom names for longer or frequently used commands, improving efficiency and reducing typing.

Syntax

alias [NAME[=VALUE] ...]

Common Options

alias

Without arguments, displays all currently defined aliases in a reusable format.

alias NAME

Displays the definition of the alias specified by NAME.

alias NAME='COMMAND_STRING'

Defines an alias named NAME for COMMAND_STRING. Quotes are needed if COMMAND_STRING contains spaces or special characters.

unalias NAME

Removes the alias specified by NAME. (Note: `unalias` is a separate but related command).

Persistence

To make aliases permanent, add their definitions to your shell startup file (e.g., `~/.bashrc` for bash, `~/.zshrc` for zsh) and then source the file or open a new terminal.

Examples

$ alias

Shows all currently defined aliases.

$ alias ll='ls -alF'

Creates an alias `ll` that executes `ls -alF` (detailed list including hidden files).

$ alias update='sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y'

Creates an `update` alias for system updates (Debian/Ubuntu).

$ alias ..='cd ..'

Creates `..` as a shortcut for `cd ..` (go to parent directory).

$ alias myip='curl ifconfig.me'

Creates `myip` to display your public IP address using `curl`.

$ alias rm='rm -i'

Creates an alias for `rm` that prompts before every removal (interactive mode).

$ unalias myip

Removes the alias named `myip`.

$ # To make 'll' permanent, add to ~/.bashrc (for bash):

alias ll='ls -alF'

$ # Then source the file:

source ~/.bashrc

Related Commands

jobs

List active jobs

history

Display command history

fg

Bring a job to the foreground

bg

Send a job to the background

unalias

Remove an alias

echo

Display a line of text

aliasshortcutcommandshellbashzshunaliascustom