Write (Unix)

In Unix and Unix-like operating systems, is a utility used to send messages to another user by writing a message directly to another user's TTY.

History The write command was included in the First Edition of the Research Unix operating system. A similar command appeared in Compatible Time-Sharing System.

Sample usage The syntax for the write command is: $ write user [tty] message

The write session is terminated by sending EOF, which can be done by pressing Ctrl+D. The tty argument is only necessary when a user is logged into more than one terminal.

A conversation initiated between two users on the same machine: $ write root pts/7 Hello!

Will show up to the user on that console as: Message from root@wiki on pts/8 at 11:19 ... Hello!

See also

List of Unix commands talk (Unix) wall (Unix)

References