script

Additional Notes

script records everything displayed on a terminal session, including command output and prompts, into a file called typescript by default. It captures the raw terminal output, making it useful for creating session logs, documenting command sequences, or sharing troubleshooting steps with others.

The recording includes all terminal control characters by default. A separate timing file can be generated with the --timing option, which can be used with scriptreplay to replay the session at the same speed it was recorded.

Syntax

script [options] [output_file]

Parameters

• output_file: The file to write the session log to. Defaults to typescript.

Common Options

• -a, --append: Append output to the file instead of overwriting.
• -c, --command command: Record only the specified command instead of a shell.
• -e, --return: Echo the exit status of child processes.
• -f, --flush: Flush output after each write (useful for remote monitoring).
• -q, --quiet: Suppress the "Script started" and "Script done" messages.
• -t, --timing[=file]: Output timing data to the specified file (or stderr).
• --logging: Force logging mode (useful inside tmux or screen).
• -V, --version: Show version information.

Examples

script

Start recording a terminal session to typescript. Press Ctrl+D or type exit to stop.

script session.log

Record the session to session.log.

script -t timing.log session.log

Record timing data alongside the session output for later replay.

script -c "make" build.log

Record only the output of the make command.

script -a -q install.log

Append to an existing log file without showing start/stop messages.

Practical Notes

• Exit the recorded session by typing exit or pressing Ctrl+D.
• The recorded file contains raw terminal output including escape codes.
• Use cat typescript to view the recorded output within a terminal.
• Timing files enable exact-speed replay via scriptreplay.
• Recorded files can be large for long sessions with a lot of output.