timeout

Timeout is a command line tool used to execute a command and then terminate it after a specified amount of time. It is commonly used in scripting and automation tasks. The tool is available on most operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Timeout allows you to control the execution time of a command, preventing it from running indefinitely.

By specifying a duration in seconds, minutes, or hours, Timeout ensures that the command terminates after the given time frame. This helps in managing and controlling processes that might hang or take too long to complete. It is particularly useful when running potentially time-consuming tasks or when dealing with unresponsive or buggy programs.

Timeout can be combined with other commands or scripts, allowing you to create more complex workflows that involve timed operations. The tool also provides options to customize the exit codes returned upon termination, allowing for better error handling. Depending on the operating system, Timeout may offer additional features such as displaying a countdown timer or interrupting running processes forcefully. Overall, this command line tool is essential for controlling task execution time and improving automation workflows.