(17)Listing and Finding Processes (proc) in Linux

In Linux, processes form the backbone of any functioning system - running various tasks and executing different operations. In order to effectively manage your Linux system, it’s crucial to be able to list and find the currently running processes. This aids in monitoring system performance, tracking down any issues, and in controlling resource allocation.

The proc filesystem is an extremely powerful tool in this respect. Available in all Unix-like operating systems, proc is a virtual file system that provides detailed information about running processes, including its PID, status, and resource consumption.

With commands like ps, top, and htop, we can quickly list out the running processes on the Linux system. Specifically, the ps command offers an in-depth snapshot of currently running processes, whereas top and htop give real-time views of system performance.

# list all running processes
ps -ef 

# display ongoing list of running processes 
top

# alternatively, for a more user-friendly interface
htop        

Exploring the proc directory (/proc), we dive even deeper, enabling us to view the system’s kernel parameters and each process’s specific system details.

# view specifics of a particular PID
cat /proc/{PID}/status        

In short, ‘Finding and Listing Processes (proc)’ in Linux is not just a core aspect of process management, but also a necessary skill for enhancing system performance and resolution of issues.