Stupid question I cannot find the answer to:

What does "rc" stand for anyway, in reference to Linux and Unix startup and config files such as rc.local and .bashrc?

I know what these files are, but no one call tell me what "rc" stands for.

Thanks!

Bret

I think it stands for runlevel configuration but not totally for sure. Never thought about it myself til now. Maybe someone else knows for sure.

Interesting. I always thought it stood for resource. Certainly fits.

I thought it was a strange abbreviation for "ResourCe".
In the case of "bashrc", "rc" has probably nothing to do with Runlevel Configuration. Maybe it has more then just one meaning. "Runlevel Configuration" sounds more reasonable in the case of /etc/rc1.d ....

But you have to think, the bashrc is basically the configuration of any particular user and is accessed when that person logs in, so it is like their personal own runlevel configuration. I don't know why all the startup scripts would be referred to as resource, all files can be a resource in a way. Runlevel Configuration seems more likely to me as what it stands for.

I saw a usenet posting years ago to the effect that it stands for 'run commands'

Like I said, I'm not totally for sure but it could be run commands too.. that sounds nice. But I know it can't be ResourCe.. doesn't fit the description of what most files do with 'rc' in them.

From the UNIX FAQ:



rc (as in ".cshrc" or "/etc/rc") = "RunCom"

"rc" derives from "runcom", from the MIT CTSS system,
ca. 1965.

'There was a facility that would execute a bunch of
commands stored in a file; it was called "runcom" for "run
commands", and the file began to be called "a runcom."

"rc" in Unix is a fossil from that usage.'

Brian Kernighan & Dennis Ritchie, as told to Vicki Brown

"rc" is also the name of the shell from the new Plan 9
operating system.

2 members found this post helpful.

Wow!

Thanks everyone.

I guess it's not that stupid of a question after all.

The explanation of "run commands" sounds like the most official answer.

Thanks again.

Bret

Freakin cool. The things you take for granted sometimes rule! Thanks for all the ideas, and the quote from the UNIX FAQ, all the answers sound like decent answers.

Cool

So where did .netrc get its name? I thought it just stored connection details and credentials.

I do believe this is the oldest thread I've seen necro'd and I've been hanging out on the internet over 20 years.