What Does TTY Stand for in Linux?
TTY is a Linux command, used at a command or shell prompt, that gives information about the terminal that a user is currently at. Typing "tty" at a Linux or Unix command prompt will yield a specific output unique to that terminal.
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History
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"TTY" stands for "TeleType," in reference to the first computers, which were TeleType terminals. These terminals were essentially remote-controlled typewriters.
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Benefits
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Typing "tty" at a command prompt on Linux or Unix will give an output that identifies what device in the Linux /dev directory you are using, in only one line.
Fun Fact
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When TeleType terminals were used, the "tty" command output was not shown on a display, but printed on a printer that was connected to the Teletype machine.
Usage
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The "tty" command can be used to show the username, /dev device, date and time for the person who is using the computer by typing its sister command, "who am i."
Output Response
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An example of a "tty" response can be something like "/dev/pts/0", which designates that the user is using device "/pts/0" but does not show any information about this device.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hadret
