fg — Bring a background job to the foreground

Linux / Service and process management / fg.html

A shell builtin that moves a background or stopped job to the foreground for interaction.

Basic Information

What is this command?

fg brings a running background job or a stopped job back to the terminal foreground.

A foreground job receives keyboard input, and the prompt returns only when it finishes.

What problems does it solve?

• Return to an editor you suspended.
• Interact again with a program sent to the background.
• Handle a job that needs a password prompt.
• Watch progress directly on screen.

Key features

Foreground current

Run without a number to foreground the current job.

• When to use: When recalling the job just backgrounded
• What you get: Keyboard input available again
• Limitations: The shell waits until the job ends

By job number

Specify a number from jobs to pick one job.

• When to use: When choosing among jobs
• What you get: Only that job comes forward
• Limitations: A wrong number pulls a different job

Prompt return

The prompt returns when the foreground job exits.

• When to use: After finishing an interactive job
• What you get: Commands can be typed again
• Limitations: Check exit status after abnormal ends

Installation and usage

Check whether it is installed

help fg

man bash # fg is a shell builtin

Real-world examples

Foreground current

Bring the background job forward.

# Bring the current background job to the foreground
fg

By number

Foreground job number 2.

# Foreground job 2
fg %2

Stop and return

Suspend with Ctrl+Z, then return with fg.

# Suspend with Ctrl+Z, then bring it back
fg