List logged-in users, terminals, login times, idle time, and the command each user is currently running.
Which command is appropriate?
w combines current login sessions with idle time and activity in its WHAT column. who focuses on session details, while last shows history.
Detailed explanation
whoIncorrect. who lists sessions but does not primarily show current commands.
Incorrect. who lists sessions but does not primarily show current commands.
wCorrect. It shows sessions, idle time, and current activity.
Correct. It shows sessions, idle time, and current activity.
lastIncorrect. last displays historical login records.
Incorrect. last displays historical login records.
lastlogIncorrect. lastlog displays each user's last login record.
Incorrect. lastlog displays each user's last login record.
Try it yourself
An example you can run in a temporary verification environment.
printf '%s
' 'who=current sessions' 'w=current sessions plus activity' 'last=login history' 'lastlog=last login per user'Expected result
who=current sessions
w=current sessions plus activity
last=login history
lastlog=last login per userKey points
- w shows current activity
- who lists sessions
- last lists history
Notes
- Environment: procps/util-linux login tool対応表
- Command output formatting can vary slightly by distribution or tool version.
- Run the example in a temporary directory or process when possible.
Foundation review
Read the scope first
Check whether the command acts on the current shell, a new process, an existing process, or a file.
Verify the observable result
Use the supplied command and compare the output with the expected result.