alias Command
Beginner Shell Scripting man(1)Create command shortcuts
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📅 Updated: Apr 30, 2026
SYNTAX
alias [NAME[=VALUE]]
What Does alias Do?
alias creates shortcuts for commands or command sequences. An alias replaces a word with a string when used as the first word of a command. Aliases save typing and reduce errors for frequently used commands.
alias is a shell built-in that defines command shortcuts for the current session. For permanent aliases, add them to ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_aliases. Aliases can be simple substitutions or include complex command options.
Aliases are expanded only when used as the first word of a command. They do not work inside scripts (bash disables alias expansion in non-interactive mode by default).
alias is a shell built-in that defines command shortcuts for the current session. For permanent aliases, add them to ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_aliases. Aliases can be simple substitutions or include complex command options.
Aliases are expanded only when used as the first word of a command. They do not work inside scripts (bash disables alias expansion in non-interactive mode by default).
Options & Flags
| Option | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (no args) | List all current aliases | alias |
| name=value | Create an alias | alias ll='ls -la' |
| unalias | Remove an alias | unalias ll |
Practical Examples
#1 List all aliases
Shows all currently defined aliases.
$ alias
Output:
alias ll='ls -la'
alias la='ls -A'
#2 Create simple alias
Creates a shortcut for system updates.
$ alias update='sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y'#3 Create ls shortcut
Creates a detailed listing shortcut with human-readable sizes.
$ alias ll='ls -lah --color=auto'#4 Safety aliases
Adds confirmation prompts to destructive commands.
$ alias rm='rm -i'
alias cp='cp -i'
alias mv='mv -i'#5 Make alias permanent
Adds the alias to .bashrc and reloads it.
$ echo "alias ll='ls -la'" >> ~/.bashrc && source ~/.bashrc#6 Remove an alias
Removes the rm alias, restoring the original command.
$ unalias rm#7 Bypass alias temporarily
Prefixing with backslash runs the original command, ignoring the alias.
$ \rm file.txtTips & Best Practices
Bypass an alias: Prefix with backslash to skip alias expansion: \rm file.txt runs /bin/rm even if rm is aliased to rm -i.
Permanent aliases: Add aliases to ~/.bashrc or create ~/.bash_aliases (sourced by many default .bashrc files). Run source ~/.bashrc to apply.
Aliases do not work in scripts: Bash disables alias expansion in non-interactive mode (scripts). Use functions instead of aliases in scripts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an alias permanent?
Add it to ~/.bashrc: echo "alias ll='ls -la'" >> ~/.bashrc. Then source ~/.bashrc to apply immediately.
How do I remove an alias?
Use unalias name. For example: unalias ll. To bypass temporarily, use \command.
Should I use aliases or functions?
Aliases are simple command shortcuts. Functions support arguments, logic, and work in scripts. Use functions for anything complex.
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