How to Use Alias in Linux: Simple Command Shortcuts

In Linux, you use alias to create a shortcut for a longer command by typing alias name='command'. This lets you run the shortcut instead of the full command, saving time and effort.

Syntax

The basic syntax to create an alias is:

• alias name='command': name is the shortcut you want to use, and command is the full command it runs.
• Use single quotes around the command to keep it as one string.
• To see all current aliases, just type alias without arguments.

bash

alias name='command'

Example

This example creates an alias ll that lists files in long format with human-readable sizes. It shows how to create, use, and remove an alias.

bash

alias ll='ls -lh'
ll
unalias ll
alias ll

Output

total 4.0K
-rw-r--r-- 1 user user 1.2K Jun 10 12:00 example.txt
bash: alias: ll: not found

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using aliases include:

• Not using quotes around the command, which can cause errors.
• Defining aliases in a terminal session only, so they disappear after closing the terminal.
• Trying to alias commands that require arguments without proper handling.

To make aliases permanent, add them to your shell configuration file like ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_profile.

bash

alias ll=ls -lh  # Wrong: no quotes, will cause error
alias ll='ls -lh'  # Correct: quotes included

Quick Reference

Command	Description
alias name='command'	Create a new alias
alias	List all current aliases
unalias name	Remove an alias
source ~/.bashrc	Reload aliases from config file

Key Takeaways

Use alias name='command' to create shortcuts for long commands.

Always put the command in single quotes to avoid errors.

Aliases created in a terminal session last only until you close it.

Add aliases to your shell config file to keep them permanent.

Use unalias name to remove an alias when no longer needed.