systemd-sysusers

Create system users and groups

TLDR

Create users from all config files

$ systemd-sysusers

Create users from specific file

$ systemd-sysusers path/to/file.conf

Dry-run (show what would be done)

$ systemd-sysusers --dry-run

Show all config contents

$ systemd-sysusers --cat-config

Specify root directory

$ systemd-sysusers --root=/mnt/system

SYNOPSIS

systemd-sysusers [OPTIONS...] [CONFIGFILE...]

DESCRIPTION

systemd-sysusers creates system users and groups based on configuration files in /usr/lib/sysusers.d/ and /etc/sysusers.d/. It is typically invoked during system boot or package installation.

PARAMETERS

--dry-run

Print what would be done without making changes

--cat-config

Show the contents of all configuration files

--root=PATH

Operate on an alternative filesystem root

--image=PATH

Operate on a disk image

--no-pager

Do not pipe output into a pager

-h, --help

Show help message

--version

Show version information

CAVEATS

Configuration files use a declarative format defining users and groups. Users created by systemd-sysusers are typically system accounts with no login shell. Existing users are not modified.

HISTORY

systemd-sysusers is part of systemd, implementing declarative system user/group creation to ensure consistent user accounts across installations.