now

Deploy the current directory

$ now

$ now list

$ now inspect [deployment_url]

$ now remove [deployment_id]

$ now login

$ now init

now

(None typically)
    As now is usually a user-defined alias or a simple script, it typically does not define its own unique parameters. If implemented as alias now='date', then it effectively inherits all parameters of the date command. However, the conceptual now command is designed for simplicity and immediate feedback, often used without needing additional arguments or complex formatting options of its own.

now is not a standard, standalone Linux command explicitly shipped with typical operating system distributions' core utilities. Instead, it represents a commonly adopted informal convention, predominantly implemented by individual users as a convenient shell alias or a very simple custom script. Its primary purpose is to provide a quick and immediate output of the current system date and time. It serves as a practical shortcut for more verbose commands like date, enabling users to instantly retrieve 'what time is it now?' information.

This user-defined utility enhances command-line efficiency, offering a streamlined way to get current timestamp data for various purposes, including simple logging, quick checks, or integrating into custom shell scripts where brevity is desired. Its widespread informal adoption highlights the flexibility and customization capabilities inherent in Linux shell environments, allowing users to tailor their workflow for maximum productivity.

Non-Standard: now is not a built-in or standard command across Linux distributions. Its availability and behavior depend entirely on whether a user has defined it in their shell configuration (e.g., in .bashrc or .zshrc).
Implementation Varies: Its exact functionality and output can differ significantly based on how it's implemented (e.g., a simple date wrapper, a custom script with specific formatting, or even a different command altogether).
Potential for Conflicts: If an application or system utility defines a command named now, it could conflict with a user's alias or script, leading to unexpected behavior.

The most frequent way to implement a now command is through a shell alias in a user's shell configuration file, such as .bashrc (for Bash) or .zshrc (for Zsh). Examples include:
alias now='date +%T'
This alias makes now print only the current time (e.g., 14:30:55).
Another common implementation for full date and time:
alias now='date'
This allows users to simply type now in their terminal to get the default date command output. More complex scripts might be used for custom formatting or additional information, but the alias is most prevalent for quick time checks.

The concept of a now command emerged from the user community's desire for a very quick and memorable way to get the current time without typing the full date command or specific formatting options. It's a testament to the flexibility of shell environments, allowing users to create personalized shortcuts. Its 'development' isn't formal but rather an organic spread of a useful shell alias or simple script practice, adopted by many for personal productivity and convenience over time, becoming a common informal utility.

date(1), at(1), time(1), uptime(1)