Howto end the "tail" command???

Schmurff · 03-03-2004, 04:16 AM

I have just started with Linux, and now I am a Newbie. Nice!

In a Bash shell I entered the command: "tail -f <filename>, to view some logfiles in realtime. But I cannot find how to end this command. Other commands usually are ended by entering a "q".
I could not find this in he available online documentation about the tail command.

Thank you in advance for the replies.

Kind regards,

Schmurff

jax8 · 03-03-2004, 04:24 AM

what do you mean other command are ended with "q"

Schmurff · 03-03-2004, 04:33 AM

If I use less, or top, I end them by entering a q. After Reappears the standard command prompt.

snacky · 03-03-2004, 04:41 AM

Schmurff, usually you would end "tail -f" interactively, by hitting ctrl+C. Yep, that's really how it's meant to be done.

jax8 · 03-03-2004, 04:42 AM

OK sorry

"ctrl" + "c"

will end any process or you could put it in the background by holding

"ctrl" + "z"

however if you put it in the background you will have to resume it by typing

jobs

then note down the job number of less and type

bg %4

where 4 is the job number to then kill it type

kill %4

-JAX

Schmurff · 03-03-2004, 05:32 AM

I have tested control + c and it worked perfectly.
However, it is funny how the manuals give you all the information about starting something, but how to end it sometimes...