How to Reverse Search in Linux

Bash, the default Linux command-line shell, stores a history of commands you've typed into it recently. You can use the up arrow key at the console to cycle through the previous commands. However, a more efficient way to locate a command you recently used is to use Bash's reverse search feature. The reverse search feature performs a search for a command containing text you specify, starting at the end of the history--the most recently typed commands. A reverse search is different from a forward search, which searches from the start of the history--the least recently typed commands.

Instructions

1. Open a terminal if you're not already at one by clicking "Applications," "Accessories" and "Terminal."

2. Press "Ctrl" and "R" at the same time.

3. Type some text to search for at the "reverse-i-search" prompt. Bash automatically searches and provides the most recent matching result as you type.

4. Press "Ctrl" and "R" at the same time to cycle through commands matching the search query until you find the one you're looking for.

5. Run the command you searched for, if desired, by pressing "Enter."

References

• MIT: Command Line Editing