Linux systems provide a variety of system services (such as process management, login, syslog, cron, etc.) and network services (such as remote login, e-mail, printers, web hosting, data storage, file transfer, domain name resolution (using DNS), dynamic IP address assignment (using DHCP), and much more).
Technically, a service is a process or group of processes (commonly known as daemons) running continuously in the background, waiting for requests to come in (especially from clients).
Linux supports different ways to manage (start, stop, restart, enable auto-start at system boot, etc.) services, typically through a process or service manager. Most if not all modern Linux distributions now use the same process manager: systemd.
Table of Contents
What is Systemd?
Systemd is a system and service manager for Linux operating systems.
It is designed to provide a more efficient and reliable way of starting, stopping, and managing system processes.
With its advanced features and integration capabilities, systemd has become the default init system for many modern Linux distributions.
It plays a crucial role in the boot process and overall system management, improving performance and enabling better control over system services.
systemctl command is the primary tool to manage systemd.
Why List Running Services in Linux?
Listing running services in Linux is crucial for system administrators as it provides them with an overview of the active services on a system.
This information is valuable for monitoring and troubleshooting purposes, as it allows administrators to identify any potential issues or conflicts that may impact the system’s performance or stability.
Additionally, by listing running services, administrators can ensure that only necessary services are running, enhancing system security and resource management.
In this article, we will demonstrate the process of listing all running services under Systemd in Linux, providing a comprehensive walkthrough for users of all experience levels.
Listing Running Services Under SystemD in Linux
Listing running services in Linux is essential for effective system administration.
By knowing the running services, administrators can ensure that the necessary services are up and running, troubleshoot any issues promptly, and monitor resource utilization.
Additionally, it allows for better understanding of the system’s overall performance and helps in identifying potential security risks or unauthorized services.
Overall, listing running services provides vital insights into the system’s functionality and aids in maintaining a stable and secure Linux environment.
When you run the systemctl command without any arguments, it will display a list of all loaded systemd units (read the systemd documentation for more information about systemd units) including services, showing their status (whether active or not)
# systemctl
List All Units in systemctl
systemctl is a command-line tool used in Linux operating systems to manage and control the systemd system and service manager.
To list all units in systemctl, use the following command: systemctl list-units.
This command provides a comprehensive overview of all active and inactive units on the system, including services, sockets, targets, and more.
It enables users to quickly assess the status and configuration of various units within the systemd ecosystem.
To list all loaded services on your system (whether active; running, exited, or failed, use the list-units subcommand and --type switch with a value of service.
# systemctl list-units --type=service
OR
# systemctl --type=service
And to list all loaded but active services, both running and those that have exited, you can add the --state option with a value of active, as follows.
# systemctl list-units --type=service --state=active
OR
# systemctl --type=service --state=active
List Running Services in systemctl
To list running services in systemctl, use the following command:
# systemctl list-units --type=service --state=running
OR
# systemctl --type=service --state=running
In this guide, we demonstrated how to view running services under systemd in Linux.
We hope you’ve found this useful!
