Screen is a powerful tool for managing multiple terminal sessions, including detached sessions. A detached session is one that runs independently of the current terminal window, allowing you to log out or close the window without interrupting the running processes. However, managing these detached sessions can be tricky, especially when it comes to killing them. In this tutorial, we will explore how to list, kill, and manage detached screen sessions.
Listing Detached Screen Sessions
To list all available screen sessions, including detached ones, you can use the following command:
screen -ls
This will display a list of all screen sessions, along with their IDs, names, and statuses (e.g., "Detached" or "Attached").
Killing Detached Screen Sessions
To kill a detached screen session, you need to specify its ID or name. You can use the -S option followed by the ID or name, and then the quit command:
screen -S <session_id> -X quit
Replace <session_id> with the actual ID of the session you want to kill.
Alternatively, if you have named your screen sessions (which is a good practice), you can use the name instead of the ID:
screen -S <session_name> -X quit
If you are unsure about the ID or name of the session, you can list all sessions again and find the one you want to kill.
Getting Attached to a Detached Session (Optional)
In some cases, you might need to get attached to a detached session before killing it. You can do this using the -r option:
screen -r <session_id>
Once attached, you can press Ctrl + A and then type :quit to kill the session.
Removing Dead Sessions
If a screen session is not responding or has become "dead," you can use the following command to remove it:
screen -wipe
This will remove any dead sessions from the list of available sessions.
Best Practices
To make managing detached screen sessions easier, consider the following best practices:
- Name your screen sessions when creating them:
screen -S <session_name>. - Use meaningful names for your sessions to help identify them later.
- Regularly clean up dead or unused sessions using
screen -wipe.
By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively manage detached screen sessions and keep your terminal environment organized.