[Linux] Bash useradd Usage: Create a new user account

Overview

The useradd command is used in Linux systems to create a new user account. It allows system administrators to add users to the system, set their home directories, and configure various user settings.

Usage

The basic syntax of the useradd command is as follows:

useradd [options] [username]

Common Options

• -m: Create the user’s home directory if it does not exist.
• -d: Specify the home directory for the new user.
• -s: Set the login shell for the new user.
• -G: Add the user to specified supplementary groups.
• -c: Provide a comment or description for the user account.
• -e: Set an expiration date for the user account.

Common Examples

1. Create a new user with a home directory:

   useradd -m newuser
   

2. Create a user with a specific home directory:

   useradd -d /home/customuser -m customuser
   

3. Create a user with a specific shell:

   useradd -s /bin/bash newuser
   

4. Create a user and add them to supplementary groups:

   useradd -G sudo,developers newuser
   

5. Create a user with a comment:

   useradd -c "John Doe, Developer" johndoe
   

6. Create a user with an expiration date:

   useradd -e 2023-12-31 expireduser
   

Tips

• Always use the -m option to ensure that a home directory is created for the new user.
• Use the -s option to set a preferred shell, especially if the user will be using the command line frequently.
• Consider adding users to relevant groups using the -G option for appropriate permissions.
• After creating a user, remember to set a password using the passwd command.