Home Quick Tip: Assume Root Without Changing Directory

Quick Tip: Assume Root Without Changing Directory

This is a tip I found by accident due to hitting a key twice. The result was a bit of a surprise.

If you only need to run a few commands as root, typing sudo before the command will allow you to do this.

However, it’s sometimes useful to assume root so you don’t have to type sudo in front of every command.

A typical way is to do this:

sudo su -

But this will take you out of the directory you were in. Here’s how to stay in the directory:

sudo su --

Just use a double hyphen instead of a single hyphen. Simple!

Photo by Lawmaker

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.