write

Send a message to another user

Description

The write command is used to send a message to another user currently logged into the system. You can interactively type your message, and once you are finished, sending an EOF (usually Ctrl+D) will end the session and deliver the message. If the recipient is logged into more than one terminal, you can specify the terminal ID to send the message to.

Syntax

write <user> [terminal]

Parameters

user: The login name of the recipient.
terminal: The terminal name (e.g., pts/2) if the user is logged into multiple terminals.

Examples

Send a message to Rollaend (who is only logged in once):

write Rollaend

Then type your message. Use Ctrl+D to send/finish.

Send a message to Rollaend's specific terminal (e.g., pts/2):

write Rollaend pts/2

Then type your message.

Note: If the recipient has set mesg n, they will not receive your message.