Users

The getent command

Queries the system databases (users, groups, hosts). It is the right way to check whether an account or group exists.

Syntax

getent passwd|group|hosts [nombre]

Copy-ready examples

$ getent passwd alumnoCheck a user
$ getent group sudoCheck a group

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

Typical mistakes

  • Unlike reading /etc/passwd by hand, getent also includes network users (LDAP, etc.).

Related commands

idgroupswhoami

FAQ

Why is it better than grep /etc/passwd?

Because it queries every system source, not only the local file.

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