show running-config

The configuration currently in effect, in memory.

verification

What it does

What the device is running right now, which is not necessarily what it will run after a reload — that is the startup config. The gap between the two is unsaved work.

Per vendor

PlatformCommand
Cisco IOS / NX-OSshow running-config
Juniper JunOSshow configuration
MikroTik RouterOS/export
Aruba AOS-CXshow running-config
FortiOSshow full-configuration

Useful variations

  • One interfaceshow running-config interface Vlan20
  • Everything matching a stringshow running-config | include ip route
  • A whole sectionshow running-config | section router bgp

Pitfalls

The misreadings that actually cost people time.

  • Defaults are hidden — `show running-config all` on IOS reveals them.
  • Differences from startup-config are lost on reload; compare with `show archive config differences` where available.
  • Output contains credentials. Sanitise before sharing it in a ticket.

Related

show ip routeshow vlan brief