System and processes

The sysctl command

Reads or changes kernel parameters live. With -w it applies them and saves to /etc/sysctl.conf.

Syntax

sysctl [-a] [-w] <clave[=valor]>

Most useful options

-aShows all parameters
-wWrites the given value

Copy-ready examples

$ sysctl net.ipv4.ip_forwardRead a value
$ sysctl -w vm.swappiness=10Change it

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

Typical mistakes

  • Changes with -w are lost on reboot if they are not in /etc/sysctl.conf.

Related commands

lsmoduname

FAQ

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