TargetDescription
haltShut down all services and halt the system
poweroffShut down all services and power off the system
shutdownShut down the system normally
rescueSingle-user (root) mode for maintenance and recovery functions. It mounts all file-system but does not start any networking related service or function.
multi-userMulti-user command line mode for regular tasks. It starts all essential and custom services and provides the CLI prompt for login and work.
graphicalSame as the multi-user.target but also includes GUI. A user can use the graphical desktop environment to login and work or can use regular command line interface.
rebootReboot the system normally.
defaultDefault target to boot the system. Usually set either to multi-user.target or graphical.target.
emergencyStart an emergency shell and mount only root file-system. Other file-system and networking remain disabled.
hibernateSave the running state of the system to the hard disk and power off the system. When the system is power on again, the systemd restores the saved state.
suspendSame as the hibernate except the system state is saved in the memory and power to the memory is not turned off.