How to add a swap file in Linux

March 7, 2024

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How to add a swap file in Linux

Introduction

In this article, you will learn how to add a swap file in linux.

A swap file is a system file that creates temporary storage space on a solid-state drive or hard disk when the system runs low on memory. The file swaps a section of RAM storage from an idle program and frees up memory for other programs.

The term “swap space” can refer to either a partition on the disc or a file. During the installation process, users have the ability to create a swap space, or at any other point in the future if they so want. There are two applications for swap space: the first is to extend the virtual memory beyond the amount of installed physical memory (RAM), and the second is to provide support for suspending to disc.

Step 1 – Login as the Root User

command output

Step 2 – Create Storage File

To make a 512MB swap file (1024 * 512MB = 524288 block size), run the following command:

#dd if=/dev/zero of=/swapfile1 bs=1024 count=524288

command output

Step 3 – Secure swap file

For security reasons, enter the following file permissions:

#chown root:root /swapfile1

#chmod 0600 /swapfile1

A globally accessible swap file is a major local vulnerability. The commands above ensure that only the root user can read and write to the file.

Step 4 – Set up a Linux swap area

To create a swap file in Linux, enter the following command:

#mkswap /swapfile1

command output

Step 5 – Enabling the swap file

Finally, immediately activate the /swapfile1 swap space by typing:

#swapon /swapfile1

Step 6 – Update /etc/fstab file

Adding a line to the /etc/fstab file will make /swapfile1 accessible following a reboot of the Linux system. To read this file, launch a text editor like vi.