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---
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layout: 'docs'
page_title: 'Commands: Agent'
sidebar_current: 'docs-commands-agent'
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description: |-
The `consul agent` command is the heart of Consul: it runs the agent that performs the important task of maintaining membership information, running checks, announcing services, handling queries, etc.
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---
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# Consul Agent
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The `consul agent` command is the heart of Consul: it runs the agent that
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performs the important task of maintaining membership information,
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running checks, announcing services, handling queries, etc.
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Due to the power and flexibility of this command, the Consul agent
is documented in its own section. See the [Consul Agent ](/docs/agent/basics.html )
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section for more information on how to use this command and the
options it has.
