Linux how to list all running processes
Use ps aux for a complete snapshot of all running processes, showing detailed information like USER, PID, CPU, and memory usage. 2. Use top or htop for real-time monitoring of processes with dynamic updates, where htop offers a more intuitive interface. 3. Use pgrep
To list all running processes in Linux, you can use several commands depending on the level of detail and format you need. Here are the most common and useful methods:
1. Using ps command
The ps command is one of the primary tools for viewing processes.
-
To list all processes in a full-format:
ps aux
a→ shows processes for all usersu→ displays the process's user/ownerx→ includes processes that aren't attached to a terminal (like daemons)
Example output includes:
- USER: who owns the process
- PID: process ID
- %CPU and %MEM: resource usage
- COMMAND: the command that started the process
For a hierarchical view (tree format):
ps auxf
This shows child and parent process relationships clearly.
2. Using top command
For a real-time, dynamic view of running processes:
top
- Shows CPU, memory usage, and process status continuously
- Press
qto exit - You can sort by CPU or memory by pressing
PorM
A modern alternative is htop (if installed):
htop
It provides a more user-friendly interface with color and scrollable output. Install it with:
sudo apt install htop # Debian/Ubuntu sudo dnf install htop # Fedora
3. Using pgrep and pidof (for specific processes)
If you're looking for processes by name:
pgrep firefox
This returns the PIDs of all processes named "firefox".
Or:
pidof firefox
4. Check /proc directory (advanced)
Linux stores runtime system information in /proc. Each running process has a directory named by its PID:
ls /proc | grep '^[0-9]'
This lists all directories with numeric names — those are the PIDs of running processes.
You can inspect details:
cat /proc/1234/status
Replace 1234 with any actual PID.
Summary of common commands:
-
ps aux→ best for a one-time snapshot of all processes -
toporhtop→ best for monitoring system activity live -
pgrep <name></name>→ quickly find PIDs by process name
Basically, ps aux is what most users need for a complete list.
The above is the detailed content of Linux how to list all running processes. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!
Hot AI Tools
Undress AI Tool
Undress images for free
Undresser.AI Undress
AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos
AI Clothes Remover
Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.
Clothoff.io
AI clothes remover
Video Face Swap
Swap faces in any video effortlessly with our completely free AI face swap tool!
Hot Article
Hot Tools
Notepad++7.3.1
Easy-to-use and free code editor
SublimeText3 Chinese version
Chinese version, very easy to use
Zend Studio 13.0.1
Powerful PHP integrated development environment
Dreamweaver CS6
Visual web development tools
SublimeText3 Mac version
God-level code editing software (SublimeText3)
How to install software on Linux using the terminal?
Aug 02, 2025 pm 12:58 PM
There are three main ways to install software on Linux: 1. Use a package manager, such as apt, dnf or pacman, and then execute the install command after updating the source, such as sudoaptininstallcurl; 2. For .deb or .rpm files, use dpkg or rpm commands to install, and repair dependencies when needed; 3. Use snap or flatpak to install applications across platforms, such as sudosnapinstall software name, which is suitable for users who are pursuing version updates. It is recommended to use the system's own package manager for better compatibility and performance.
The Ultimate Guide to High-Performance Gaming on Linux
Aug 03, 2025 am 05:51 AM
ChoosePop!_OS,Ubuntu,NobaraLinux,orArchLinuxforoptimalgamingperformancewithminimaloverhead.2.InstallofficialNVIDIAproprietarydriversforNVIDIAGPUs,ensureup-to-dateMesaandkernelversionsforAMDandIntelGPUs.3.EnabletheperformanceCPUgovernor,usealow-latenc
What are the main pros and cons of Linux vs. Windows?
Aug 03, 2025 am 02:56 AM
Linux is suitable for old hardware, has high security and is customizable, but has weak software compatibility; Windows software is rich and easy to use, but has high resource utilization. 1. In terms of performance, Linux is lightweight and efficient, suitable for old devices; Windows has high hardware requirements. 2. In terms of software, Windows has wider compatibility, especially professional tools and games; Linux needs to use tools to run some software. 3. In terms of security, Linux permission management is stricter and updates are convenient; although Windows is protected, it is still vulnerable to attacks. 4. In terms of difficulty of use, the Linux learning curve is steep; Windows operation is intuitive. Choose according to requirements: choose Linux with performance and security, and choose Windows with compatibility and ease of use.
Understanding RAID Configurations on a Linux Server
Aug 05, 2025 am 11:50 AM
RAIDimprovesstorageperformanceandreliabilityonLinuxserversthroughvariousconfigurations;RAID0offersspeedbutnoredundancy;RAID1providesmirroringforcriticaldatawith50�pacityloss;RAID5supportssingle-drivefailuretoleranceusingparityandrequiresatleastthre
Linux how to enable and disable services at boot
Aug 08, 2025 am 10:23 AM
To manage the startup of Linux services, use the systemctl command. 1. Check the service status: systemctlstatus can check whether the service is running, enabled or disabled. 2. Enable the service startup: sudosystemctlenable, such as sudosystemctlenablenginx. If it is started at the same time, use sudosystemctlenable--nownginx. 3. Disable the service startup: sudosystemctldisable, such as sudosystemctldisablecups. If it is stopped at the same time, use sudosystemctldisabl
Linux how to list all running processes
Aug 08, 2025 am 06:42 AM
Usepsauxforacompletesnapshotofallrunningprocesses,showingdetailedinformationlikeUSER,PID,CPU,andmemoryusage.2.Usetoporhtopforreal-timemonitoringofprocesseswithdynamicupdates,wherehtopoffersamoreintuitiveinterface.3.UsepgreporpidoftoquicklyfindthePIDs
How to clean up your Linux system
Aug 22, 2025 am 07:42 AM
Removeunusedpackagesanddependencieswithsudoaptautoremove,cleanpackagecacheusingsudoaptcleanorautoclean,andremoveoldkernelsviasudoaptautoremove--purge.2.Clearsystemlogswithsudojournalctl--vacuum-time=7d,deletearchivedlogsin/var/log,andempty/tmpand/var
Linux how to view the contents of a file
Aug 19, 2025 pm 06:44 PM
ToviewfilecontentsinLinux,usedifferentcommandsbasedonyourneeds:1.Forsmallfiles,usecattodisplaytheentirecontentatonce,withcat-ntoshowlinenumbers.2.Forlargefiles,uselesstoscrollpagebypageorlinebyline,searchwith/search_term,andquitwithq.3.Usemoreforbasi
