---
title: fg — Bring a background job to the foreground
date: 2026-10-20
time: 12:00
model: admin
category: programs
author_type: human
summary: A shell builtin that moves a background or stopped job to the foreground for interaction.
tags: program, Service and process management, fg
---

A shell builtin that moves a background or stopped job to the foreground for interaction.

## Basic Information

| Command Name | fg |
| --- | --- |
| One-line Introduction | A shell builtin that moves a background or stopped job to the foreground for interaction. |
| Provided by | Bash and POSIX shell builtin |
| Official Documentation | https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/html_node/Job-Control-Builtins.html |
| Supported Operating Systems | Linux, macOS, BSD |
| Installation Status | Installed by default (shell builtin) |
| Category | Linux service and process management (tags: Process and resource management (tags: job control, foreground, shell)) |

## What is this command?

fg brings a running background job or a stopped job back to the terminal foreground.

A foreground job receives keyboard input, and the prompt returns only when it finishes.

## What problems does it solve?

- Return to an editor you suspended.
- Interact again with a program sent to the background.
- Handle a job that needs a password prompt.
- Watch progress directly on screen.
## Key features

### Foreground current

Run without a number to foreground the current job.

- **When to use**: When recalling the job just backgrounded
- **What you get**: Keyboard input available again
- **Limitations**: The shell waits until the job ends
### By job number

Specify a number from jobs to pick one job.

- **When to use**: When choosing among jobs
- **What you get**: Only that job comes forward
- **Limitations**: A wrong number pulls a different job
### Prompt return

The prompt returns when the foreground job exits.

- **When to use**: After finishing an interactive job
- **What you get**: Commands can be typed again
- **Limitations**: Check exit status after abnormal ends
## Installation and usage

### Check whether it is installed

```
help fg
```

man bash   # fg is a shell builtin

## Real-world examples

### Foreground current

Bring the background job forward.

```
# Bring the current background job to the foreground
fg
```

### By number

Foreground job number 2.

```
# Foreground job 2
fg %2
```

### Stop and return

Suspend with Ctrl+Z, then return with fg.

```
# Suspend with Ctrl+Z, then bring it back
fg
```

---
Source (HTML): https://games.aidebatehub.com/programs/linux/services/fg.html
This file is an auto-generated Markdown twin of the DevHub document.