ifconfig and ip addr in Linux CLI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the primary purpose of the ifconfig command?

The ifconfig command is used to display or configure network interfaces on a Linux system. It shows IP addresses, network masks, and interface status.

beginner

What does the ip addr command do?

The ip addr command shows detailed information about all network interfaces, including IP addresses, link status, and more. It is a modern replacement for ifconfig.

beginner

How do you display all network interfaces using ifconfig?

Simply type ifconfig without any arguments to list all active network interfaces and their details.

intermediate

How can you show both active and inactive interfaces using ip addr?

Use ip addr show or just ip addr. It lists all interfaces, whether active or inactive, with their IP addresses and status.

intermediate

Why is ip addr preferred over ifconfig in modern Linux systems?

ip addr is part of the newer iproute2 suite. It provides more detailed info, supports more features, and is actively maintained, unlike ifconfig which is deprecated.

Which command shows IP addresses and network interfaces on Linux?

A ls

B ifconfig

C cd

D mkdir

ifconfig displays network interfaces and IP addresses.

What is the modern replacement for ifconfig?

A ip addr

B netstat

C ping

D traceroute

ip addr is the modern command to show network interface info.

How do you show all network interfaces including inactive ones?

A ip addr show

B ifconfig -a

C ls -l

D ip link down

ip addr show and ifconfig -a both list all interfaces, active or inactive.

Which command is deprecated but still commonly used?

A ss

B ip addr

C ifconfig

D ip route

ifconfig is deprecated but still found on many systems.

What information does ip addr NOT show?

A IP addresses

B Interface status

C MAC addresses

D Routing table

ip addr shows addresses and status, but routing info is shown by ip route.

Explain the differences between ifconfig and ip addr commands.

Think about which command is older and which one is recommended now.

Describe how to check all network interfaces and their IP addresses on a Linux system.

Remember both commands can show interfaces but differ in details.