System and processes

The fg command

Brings a background or stopped job back to the foreground.

Syntax

fg [%N]

Most useful options

%NThe job number (fg %1); with no number, the last one

Copy-ready examples

$ sleep 50 & && jobsCheck the job number
$ sleep 50 & && fg %1Bring job 1 to the front

You can try them in the browser terminal: it does not touch your computer.

Typical mistakes

  • The number takes a % in front: fg 1 is not the same as fg %1.
  • If the command was sleeping (sleep), returning to the foreground finishes its wait.

Related commands

bgjobskill

FAQ

Why does it say «no such job»?

Because there are no jobs in this terminal: first launch one with & or suspend one with Ctrl+Z.

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