Sudo (short for “Super User Do”) allows regular users to execute commands with root privileges on a Debian system. This is essential for system administration tasks without requiring users to constantly log in as root.

1. Edit the sudoers File:

• Open the sudoers file using the visudo command:

   
  

  sudo visudo
  

  visudo is specifically designed for editing the sudoers file. It ensures proper syntax and prevents accidental corruption.

• Locate the %sudo group: Find the line that defines the %sudo group. This group typically includes users who are granted sudo privileges.

• Add the desired user to the %sudo group: Add the username of the user you want to grant sudo permissions to within the %sudo group definition. For example:
  
  

  %sudo ALL=(ALL:ALL) ALL 
  

  would become:

  %sudo ALL=(ALL:ALL) ALL 
  <username> ALL=(ALL:ALL) ALL 
  

• Save and exit: Press :wq (write and quit) to save the changes and exit the editor.

2. Verify Sudo Permissions:

• Log out and log back in as the user you granted sudo permissions to.

• Attempt to execute a command with sudo:

  sudo apt update 
  

  You should be prompted for the user’s password. If the command executes successfully, sudo permissions have been granted correctly.

Important Notes:

• Use visudo: Always use visudo to edit the sudoers file. This prevents accidental corruption and ensures proper syntax.
• Grant sudo permissions judiciously: Only grant sudo permissions to users who absolutely require them.
• Regularly review sudoers configurations: Periodically review the sudoers file to ensure that only authorized users have sudo privileges.