SU(1) — Unix Programmer’s Manual
NAME
su − substitute user id temporarily
SYNOPSIS
su [ userid ]
DESCRIPTION
Su demands the password of the specified userid, and if it is given, changes to that userid and invokes the Shell sh(1) without changing the current directory. The user environment is unchanged except for HOME and SHELL, which are taken from the password file for the user being substituted (see environ(5)). The new user ID stays in force until the Shell exits.
If no userid is specified, ‘root’ is assumed. To remind the super-user of his responsibilities, the Shell substitutes ‘#’ for its usual prompt.
SEE ALSO
BUGS
Local administrative rules cause restrictions to be placed on who can su to ‘root’, even with the root password. These rules vary from site to site.
3rd Berkeley Distribution — 11/16/79