bash history on Linux | Search & Re-run

bash history on Linux is one of the most used features — and a common leak vector when passwords are typed on the command line. Learn to search efficiently and set sane HIST* variables in ~/.bashrc.

List and re-run

history numbers commands; !N re-executes entry N.

bashexamples

history | tail
!!   # repeat last command
!ssh  # last command starting with ssh

Interactive search

Ctrl+R searches backward through history — fastest way to find a long docker or kubectl line.

Size and file

Control memory and disk use with HISTSIZE and HISTFILESIZE.

bashbashrc

export HISTSIZE=5000
export HISTFILESIZE=10000
export HISTCONTROL=ignoredups:erasedups

Security habit

Avoid putting secrets on the command line; use env files or prompts.

WarningSpace-prefixed commands (with HISTCONTROL=ignorespace) skip logging — do not rely on that for secrets.

Quick Reference

history and !! / !prefix
Search: Ctrl+R
Tune HISTSIZE in ~/.bashrc

Linux bash history Command: Search, Re-run and HISTSIZE Settings