The ip command is better than ifconfig due to its modern features, flexibility, and future compatibility. 1. ifconfig is deprecated and part of the older net-tools package, while ip from iproute2 is actively maintained and supports newer networking features. 2. ip offers a modular structure for finer control over network settings, allowing management of routes, namespaces, and addresses with commands like ip addr or ip route. 3. ip provides structured, script-friendly output, including JSON format, making it ideal for automation. 4. As most Linux distributions now favor ip, using it ensures better long-term compatibility and support compared to the aging ifconfig.

Ifconfig and the ip command are both tools used in Linux systems to configure, manage, and display network interfaces. However, they differ significantly in terms of modern usage, flexibility, and functionality.

1. Legacy vs. Modern Tooling

Ifconfig is part of the older net-tools package, which has been around for a long time but is now considered deprecated on many modern Linux distributions. It still works fine in most cases, but it’s no longer actively maintained.

On the other hand, the ip command comes from the more modern iproute2 package, which is actively developed and supports newer networking features like advanced routing and traffic control.

• Ifconfig doesn’t support some newer networking capabilities.
• The ip command is more aligned with current kernel features and standards.

2. Command Structure and Flexibility

The syntax and structure of ifconfig is relatively straightforward but limited. For example, to see your IP addresses, you just run:

ifconfig

It shows all active interfaces in a readable format.

With the ip command, things are more modular. You need to specify what exactly you want to show or modify. For example:

ip addr show

Or even shorter:

ip a

This modular approach gives you finer control — you can manipulate routes (ip route), network namespaces (ip netns), and more — all within one toolset.

3. Output Format and Scripting Friendliness

Ifconfig’s output is easy to read by humans but not always ideal for scripting or parsing in automation tools.

The ip command tends to produce more structured output, especially when combined with options like -json, making it easier to parse in scripts or integrate into monitoring and automation systems.

For example:

ip -json addr show

Will give you machine-readable JSON output that’s easy to work with in programs.

Also, the ip command is more consistent across different Linux distributions these days, reducing compatibility issues in scripts.

4. Support and Future Compatibility

As mentioned earlier, ifconfig is deprecated. While it’s still available in many distros (often via legacy packages), there’s no guarantee it will stay included by default forever.

Most major distributions have already moved toward using ip as the primary tool, and documentation reflects this shift.

So if you're learning or writing new scripts, investing time in understanding the ip command makes more sense for long-term use.

In short, ifconfig is simpler and familiar to old-school admins, but the ip command is more powerful, flexible, and future-proof. Most people who start using ip stick with it once they get used to its syntax.

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