How to Record Every Terminal Session with Linux’s script Command

When working in a terminal or console you may want to record everything that happens for later review or auditing.

What is the script command

script

is a Linux utility that records all output printed to the terminal, saving it to a text file that can be replayed later.

Basic usage

Run script to start recording; by default it creates a file named typescript.

pungki@dev-machine:~$ script
Script started, file is typescript
pungki@dev-machine:~$

You can specify a target filename, for example script myfile.

Useful options

The -a option appends to an existing file, while -q runs the command silently so the user does not see a notification.

Typical scenarios

Collaboration

When working with colleagues you can record a session to a file, e.g., script collaborate, and share the file for review. Others can add their own work using script -a collaborate.

Monitoring remote users

To automatically record actions of anyone who logs into your system, add a line such as /usr/bin/script -qa /usr/local/script/log_record_script to your ~/.profile (or other shell startup file). The logs are stored under /usr/local/script/log.

Stopping the recording

Press Ctrl+D or type exit. Before exiting the file size may be 0 KB; after the session ends the file grows to contain the recorded output.

Further reading

Use man script or script -h to view the full manual and additional options.