exit command in Linux with Examples

exit command in linux is used to exit the shell where it is currently running. It takes one more parameter as [N] and exits the shell with a return of status N. If n is not provided, then it simply returns the status of last command that is executed. Syntax:

exit [n]

Options for exit command – 

• exit: Exit Without Parameter After pressing enter, the terminal will simply close.
• exit [n] : Exit With Parameter After pressing enter, the terminal window will close and return a status of 110. Return status is important because sometimes they can be mapped to tell error, warnings and notifications. For example generally, return status – “0” means the program has executed successfully. “1” means the program has minor errors.
• exit n : Using “sudo su” we are going to the root directory and then exit the root directory with a return status of 5. After returning it will show how to display the return status code. echo $? command is used to see the last return status.
• exit –help : It displays help information.