How to create and manage Linux users and groups

· Category: Linux

Short answer

Use useradd, usermod, and userdel for users; groupadd and groupdel for groups.

Steps

  1. Add a user:
sudo useradd -m -s /bin/bash alice
  1. Set password:
sudo passwd alice
  1. Add to group:
sudo usermod -aG sudo alice
  1. Delete a user:
sudo userdel -r alice

Tips

  • -m creates a home directory.
  • -aG appends to supplementary groups without removing existing ones.
  • Edit /etc/sudoers with visudo for safe privilege configuration.

Common issues

  • Removing a user without -r leaves orphaned home directories.
  • Changes to groups usually require re-login to take effect.