startcan

startcan is a command-line utility designed to initiate CAN (Controller Area Network) interfaces on Linux-based systems. It is part of the `can-utils` package, a collection of tools for working with CAN bus devices. The primary function of startcan is to bring a specified CAN interface up, configuring it with appropriate settings for communication.

When invoked, startcan typically takes an interface name as an argument, such as `startcan can0`. This command instructs the system to activate the CAN interface named `can0`. It may also accept optional parameters to set the bit rate, sample point, and other relevant CAN bus parameters, though default values are often used if not specified. The successful execution of startcan enables the interface to send and receive CAN messages.

The utility interacts with the Linux kernel's CAN subsystem, which provides the underlying driver support for CAN hardware. By using startcan, users can programmatically control the operational state of their CAN interfaces, making it a crucial tool for embedded systems development, automotive diagnostics, and industrial automation where CAN communication is prevalent. It is often used in conjunction with other `can-utils` tools like `cansend` for transmitting messages or `candump` for monitoring traffic.

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