systemd-run

Run commands in transient units

TLDR

Start a transient service

$ sudo systemd-run [command] [arguments]

Start a transient service under the current user

$ systemd-run --user [command] [arguments]

Start a transient service with a custom name and description

$ sudo systemd-run -u [name] --description [string] [command]

Start a service that remains after exit with custom environment

$ sudo systemd-run -r --set-env=[name]=[value] [command]

Start a transient timer that runs periodically

$ sudo systemd-run --on-calendar=[calendar_event] [command]

Run interactively with terminal access

$ systemd-run -r --pty [command]

Set resource limits and wait for completion

$ systemd-run -p MemoryMax=[bytes] -p CPUQuota=[percentage]% --wait [command]

Use in a shell pipeline

$ [command1] | systemd-run -P [command2] | [command3]

SYNOPSIS

systemd-run [options] [command] [arguments]

systemd-run runs programs in transient scope or service units managed by systemd. This allows applying resource controls, creating timers, and proper service management for ad-hoc commands.The tool is useful for running commands with specific resource limits (CPU, memory), creating one-shot timers, and ensuring proper cleanup and logging through systemd.

PARAMETERS

--user

Run under user service manager

-u, --unit _name_

Unit name for the transient service

--description _text_

Description for the unit

-r, --remain-after-exit

Keep unit after process exits

--set-env _name=value_

Set environment variables

--on-calendar _spec_

Create a timer unit

--pty

Allocate a pseudo-TTY

-p, --property _name=value_

Set unit properties

--wait

Wait for service completion

-P, --pipe

Enable pipe mode for use in pipelines.

-t, --pty

Run interactively with a PTY attached (alias variant).

-q, --quiet

Suppress informational messages.

--scope

Create a transient .scope unit instead of a .service unit.

--slice NAME

Add the unit into the specified slice.

--working-directory DIR

Set the working directory for the invoked command.

--uid USER, --gid GROUP

Run the command as the given user/group.

--nice N

Set scheduling priority for the invoked command.

INSTALL

sudo apt install systemd

sudo dnf install systemd

sudo pacman -S systemd

sudo zypper install systemd

brew install systemd

nix profile install nixpkgs#systemd

CAVEATS

Timer syntax follows systemd.time format. Resource properties require appropriate cgroup controllers. Some options require root privileges. Part of the systemd suite.