GNU/Linux Detecting Linux distribution name and version Detect what RHEL / CentOS / Fedora distribution you are working in
Example
Look at the contents of /etc/redhat-release
cat /etc/redhat-release
Here is the output from a Fedora 24 machine: Fedora release 24 (Twenty Four)
As mentioned in the debian-based response, you can also use the lsb_release -a command, which outputs this from a Fedora 24 machine:
LSB Version: :core-4.1-amd64:core-4.1-noarch:cxx-4.1-amd64:cxx-4.1-noarch:desktop-4.1-amd64:desktop-4.1-noarch:languages-4.1-amd64:languages-4.1-noarch:printing-4.1-amd64:printing-4.1-noarch
Distributor ID: Fedora
Description: Fedora release 24 (Twenty Four)
Release: 24
Codename: TwentyFour
