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Systemd targets are represented by target units. Target units end with the .target file extension and their only purpose is to group together other systemd units through a chain of dependencies. For example, the graphical.target unit, which is used to start a graphical session, starts system services such as the GNOME Display Manager (gdm.service)

Comparison of SysV runlevels and systemd targets


Runlevel Target Units Description
0 runlevel0.target, poweroff.target Shut down and power off the system.
1 runlevel1.target, rescue.target Set up a rescue shell.
2 runlevel2.target, multi-user.target Set up a non-graphical multi-user system.
3 runlevel3.target, multi-user.target Set up a non-graphical multi-user system.
4 runlevel4.target, multi-user.target Set up a non-graphical multi-user system.
5 runlevel5.target, graphical.target Set up a graphical multi-user system.
6 runlevel6.target, reboot.target Shut down and reboot the system.