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ps

file managementLinux/Unix
The ps command is one of the most frequently used commands in Linux/Unix-like operating systems. ps Sample fallback description for ps
See ExamplesView Syntax

Quick Reference

Command Name:

ps

Category:

file management

Platform:

Linux/Unix

Basic Usage:

ps [options] [arguments]

Common Use Cases

  • 1

    Process monitoring

    Display information about running processes

  • 2

    Resource usage

    Monitor CPU, memory, and I/O usage of processes

  • 3

    Troubleshooting

    Diagnose issues with running processes

  • 4

    Scripting

    Use in shell scripts to monitor and manage processes

Syntax

ps [OPTION]... [FILE]...

Options

Option Description
-l Use a long listing format
-a Show hidden entries starting with .
-h Human-readable sizes
-R List subdirectories recursively

Examples

How to Use These Examples

The examples below show common ways to use the ps command. Try them in your terminal to see the results. You can copy any example by clicking on the code block.

Basic Examples:

ls
List files in the current directory.
ls -l
List files in long format with details.
ls -a
List all files including hidden ones.

Advanced Examples:

ls -lah Detailed list with human-readable sizes. ls -R List directories recursively.

Try It Yourself

Practice makes perfect! The best way to learn is by trying these examples on your own system with real files.

Understanding Syntax

Pay attention to the syntax coloring: commands, options, and file paths are highlighted differently.

Notes

These are sample notes for the ps command.

Tips & Tricks

1

Use the -e option to display all processes

2

Use the -f option to display full-format information

3

Use the -g option to display processes with a common group ID

4

Use the -l option to display processes in long format

5

Use the -o option to specify output columns

Common Use Cases

Process monitoring

Display information about running processes

Resource usage

Monitor CPU, memory, and I/O usage of processes

Troubleshooting

Diagnose issues with running processes

Scripting

Use in shell scripts to monitor and manage processes

System administration

Manage and optimize system resources

Related Commands

These commands are frequently used alongside ps or serve similar purposes:

top
htop
pgrep
pkill
kill
nice
renice
pstree
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Use Cases

1

Process monitoring

Display information about running processes

2

Resource usage

Monitor CPU, memory, and I/O usage of processes

3

Troubleshooting

Diagnose issues with running processes

4

Scripting

Use in shell scripts to monitor and manage processes

5

System administration

Manage and optimize system resources

Learn By Doing

The best way to learn Linux commands is by practicing. Try out these examples in your terminal to build muscle memory and understand how the ps command works in different scenarios.

See ExamplesTry Lab Exercises
$ ps
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