What is "crlt s" on Linux?
You might have encountered the command "crlt s" in the context of a Linux environment. This command might seem cryptic at first, but it actually represents a combination of two familiar commands: Ctrl + S and Ctrl + Q. Let's dive into the details to understand their functionalities and how they can be used.
Ctrl + S: Suspending Output
In the realm of Linux terminals, the Ctrl + S combination acts as a "stop" signal for any output being displayed. This means that if you're running a program that's displaying information on the terminal, hitting Ctrl + S will abruptly halt the flow of output. You'll notice that the terminal appears to freeze, and the output stops appearing. This is a useful feature when you want to temporarily pause a program that's producing a lot of output.
Ctrl + Q: Resuming Output
Conversely, Ctrl + Q acts as the "resume" button. After pausing output with Ctrl + S, pressing Ctrl + Q will immediately restart the flow of output. The program will continue displaying its results as if nothing happened.
The Purpose of "crlt s"
So, what's the purpose of using "crlt s"? In reality, "crlt s" is not a standard Linux command. It's essentially a shorthand notation used in some older documentation or scripts to represent the combination of Ctrl + S and Ctrl + Q.
Modern Alternatives
While Ctrl + S and Ctrl + Q are useful for pausing and resuming output, they're not the most common or recommended method in modern Linux environments. Most modern terminals offer alternative ways to achieve the same functionality, such as:
- Screen and tmux: These are powerful terminal multiplexers that allow you to detach from a running program, continue working in the background, and resume later.
- Job Control (Ctrl + Z): Linux provides a built-in mechanism for controlling background processes using Ctrl + Z. This allows you to pause a process and resume it at a later time.
Considerations
While Ctrl + S and Ctrl + Q might work on some systems, it's important to note that they are not universally reliable. The behavior can be affected by the terminal emulator, the program you're running, and the specific Linux distribution. Additionally, these commands are prone to conflicts with other programs, especially those that use the same key combinations for their own functions.
Summary
In essence, "crlt s" refers to the combined use of Ctrl + S and Ctrl + Q to temporarily pause and resume output in a Linux terminal. While this technique was common in the past, modern alternatives like screen, tmux, and job control offer more reliable and flexible ways to manage program output.
Conclusion
While "crlt s" may have historical significance, it's not a standard Linux command. Modern Linux environments offer superior methods for managing program output, making "crlt s" mostly obsolete.