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.

History

"TTY" stands for "TeleType," in reference to the first computers, which were TeleType terminals. These terminals were essentially remote-controlled typewriters.

Benefits

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

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

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

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.

References

• Linux: TTY
• Linux Online