Linux systemd Services Cheat Sheet/Check if service is active

Return a simple active state.

Section: Service Lifecycle

Check if service is active

bash
bash
systemctl is-active nginx
Explanation

Useful in scripts and health checks.

Learn the surrounding workflow

Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.

Related commands

Same sheet · prioritizing Service Lifecycle
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Return failure state for a unit.
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Start a service
Start a unit immediately.
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Stop a service
Stop a running service.
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Restart a service
Restart a running service.
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Reload a service
Reload config without full restart if supported.
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Try reload or restart
Reload when possible, restart otherwise.
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