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What is bg MacOS command?

The MacOS bg command is used to run processes in the background, allowing you to continue using the terminal while the process runs.

bg Syntax:

Terminal window
bg [job_spec]

bg Options:

OptionDescription
job_specSpecifies the job or process to be sent to the background.

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
job_specSpecifies the job or process to be sent to the background.

bg Command Usage Examples:

Running a Command in the Background

Terminal window
sleep 10 &

Runs the command “sleep 10” in the background.

Starting a Process in the Background

Terminal window
python3 script.py &

Starts the Python script “script.py” in the background.

Resuming a Stopped Process in the Background

Terminal window
fg 1

Resumes the first stopped job in the background.

Checking Background Jobs

Terminal window
bg

Lists all running background jobs.

Putting a Job in the Background

Terminal window
bg %1

Moves the job with job ID 1 to the background.

How to use bg?:

How do I use bg in MacOS?

To use the bg command in bash, execute the following command:

Terminal window
bg

What is the syntax for running a specific job in the background with bg?

To run a specific job in the background using the bg command, you can specify the job number. Here is an example:

Terminal window
bg %1

How can I view a list of current jobs to choose one to put in the background with bg?

To view a list of current jobs and their job numbers, you can use the jobs command in bash. Here is an example:

Terminal window
jobs

Can I run a process in the background using bg with specific options?

Yes, you can run a process in the background using specific options with the bg command. Here is an example:

Terminal window
bg -l

Is it possible to bring a background job back to the foreground after using bg?

Yes, you can bring a background job back to the foreground by using the fg command followed by the job number. Here is an example:

Terminal window
fg %1

How can I stop a job that is running in the background using bg?

To stop a job that is running in the background, you can use the kill command followed by the job number. Here is an example:

Terminal window
kill %1

What happens if I try to put a job in the background with bg that is already running in the foreground?

If you try to put a job in the background using bg that is already running in the foreground, it will continue running in the foreground unless you suspend it with Ctrl+Z and then use the bg command.

Applications of the bg command

  • Continuing the execution of a job in the background
  • Running commands in the background
  • Managing multiple processes simultaneously