Run commands and scripts requiring sudo without typing the sudo password

passwordless_sudo.md

Problem:

I want to shutdown my OS without typing the sudo password.

Solution:

Create a new file in /etc/sudoers.d/ directory.

Note that, any files under this directory is sourced in the /etc/sudoers file. And, always use visudo to edit sudoers files, as it safeguards you from getting locked out due to bad sudo configurations.

$ sudo visudo -f /etc/sudoers.d/nosudopassword;  # any filename works, just a matter of choice.

ALL ALL= (root) NOPASSWD: /sbin/shutdown,/usr/local/bin/someOtherScript

Note: Always use absolute path of the commands/scripts. Find the absolute path using

$ which shutdown;

Conclusion:

Now, you can type $ sudo shutdown; and your OS will turn off right away.

Extras:

Command alias in sudoers file is as given below (not tested)

Cmnd_Alias  MYSCRIPT = /usr/local/bin/someOtherScript
%adm       ALL = (ALL) MYSCRIPT