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Asked: 2024-09-26T13:33:49+05:30 In:

What distinguishes the sudo command from the sudo sh command in Ubuntu?

So, I’ve been diving into some Ubuntu stuff, and I came across something that I find a bit confusing regarding the `sudo` command and the `sudo sh` command. I feel like there’s a fine line between the two, and I’m hoping someone can shed some light on this for me.

I usually use `sudo` to run commands with superuser privileges, but then I stumbled upon `sudo sh` and now I’m questioning everything! Like, what’s the actual difference here? Are there specific scenarios where one is definitely better than the other? I mean, I’ve read a bit that `sudo` lets you execute a single command as the superuser, while `sudo sh` is about launching a shell with those elevated privileges. But it feels a bit vague to me, and I’m not sure how that would impact my workflow.

Also, does using `sudo sh` change the way I interact with the system? For example, if I’m executing a series of commands in a script, would it be safer or riskier to use `sudo sh` instead of just prefixing each command with `sudo`? I’ve heard that running a subshell with `sudo sh` can be beneficial for certain tasks, but I want to know if there are downsides that I should be aware of.

And then there’s security to consider. If I open up a shell with `sudo sh`, am I inadvertently opening the door to more potential issues? I know one single misstep in a terminal can lead to all sorts of chaos, but when you’re in a shell with superuser permissions, the stakes feel even higher.

So, for everyone who’s more experienced with Ubuntu – how do you decide between `sudo` and `sudo sh`? Are there best practices you follow? I’m keen to hear your insights because I really want to ensure I’m using these commands effectively without putting my system at risk.

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    2 Answers



    1. Understanding sudo and sudo sh

      Differences Between `sudo` and `sudo sh`

      Okay, so when you’re using sudo, you’re basically telling your system, “Hey, I want to run this one command with superuser privileges.” It’s a nice, quick way to elevate just that single command. For example, if you want to install a package or update something, you would do: 

      sudo apt update

      Now, sudo sh, on the other hand, is like saying, “I want to open a new shell (a whole new command line environment) as superuser.” So, any commands you type after that will be executed with those elevated privileges until you exit that shell. It’s a bit like jumping into a bouncy castle where everything is supercharged.

      When to Use Which?

      If you’re running just a couple of commands, stick with sudo for those individual commands. It’s cleaner and keeps things safer. But if you need to run a whole bunch of commands that require superuser access and you don’t want to type sudo every single time, then sudo sh can be handy.

      Impact on Workflow

      Using sudo sh can change how you interact with the system because you might accidentally run a command that messes things up if you’re not careful. It’s easy to forget you’re in that elevated state, so you might accidentally do something risky. Generally, it’s best to limit the time you’re operating with elevated privileges to avoid these mistakes.

      Security Considerations

      Opening a shell with sudo sh can definitely increase the risk since you have the ability to make critical changes to your system. One wrong command can lead to chaos! So, it’s super important to be conscious of that. Many experienced users stick to using sudo for specific commands to keep things safe.

      Best Practices

      • Use sudo for individual commands when possible.
      • If you need to run multiple commands with superuser permissions, consider using sudo -i or sudo -s to get a shell without risking everything at once.
      • Always double-check your commands before hitting enter, especially in a superuser shell.

      So, yeah, think of sudo as a thoughtful way to do things carefully, and sudo sh as a powerful tool that requires a bit more caution!



    2. The `sudo` command is primarily used to execute a single command with superuser privileges, while `sudo sh` starts a new shell session with superuser access. The key difference lies in the scope of their application: `sudo` limits the execution context to an individual command, ensuring that only that one command runs with elevated permissions. This is generally preferred for routine tasks because it reduces the risk of accidental changes to the system, as you need to be explicit about which command you are running with superuser rights. On the other hand, using `sudo sh` allows you to execute multiple commands in succession without prefixing each one with `sudo`, which can facilitate scripting or scenarios where multiple commands need elevated privileges. However, it also increases the risk of making unintended modifications because all commands executed in that shell will have superuser permissions until you exit the shell.

      When deciding between `sudo` and `sudo sh`, it’s crucial to consider both safety and efficiency. Running a subshell with `sudo sh` can be beneficial for performing a series of administrative tasks, but it can also lead to mistakes if one is not careful — especially when running scripts where a single erroneous command could cause significant issues. Security is another important factor; operating in a superuser shell can expose your system to greater risks, as any command run in that mode has the potential to affect critical system files or functions. Best practices recommend using `sudo` for individual commands whenever possible, reserving `sudo sh` for specific use cases where multiple commands are necessary, with the understanding that this approach requires heightened awareness of the commands being executed and their potential impact on the system.


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