How to show process tree in Linux

As a software developer, it’s essential to understand how to monitor and manage running processes on a Linux system. One way to do this is by visualizing the process tree, which shows the parent-child relationship between processes. In this article, we’ll explore different methods to display the process tree in Linux.

Using ps Command to Display Process Tree

The “ps” command is a powerful utility that displays information about running processes. To display the process tree using the “ps” command, use the following command:

ps axjf

This command will show a hierarchical view of all processes running on the system, with the parent processes at the top and child processes indented underneath. Each process is displayed with its PID (process ID), PPID (parent process ID), and other information such as the process status, CPU usage, and memory usage.

Using pstree Command to Display Process Tree

Another helpful command for displaying the process tree in Linux is “pstree”. This command displays the process tree in a more compact and easy-to-read format than the “ps” command. To display the process tree using the “pstree” command, use the following command:

pstree

This command will show a tree-like view of all processes running on the system, with the parent processes at the top and child processes indented underneath. Each process is displayed with its name and process ID.

Using htop Command to Display Process Tree

The “htop” command is a more advanced version of the “top” command, providing real-time running process monitoring. One of the features of “htop” is the ability to display the process tree. To display the process tree using the “htop” command, run the following command:

htop

Once “htop” is running, press the “F5” key to switch to the “Tree view” mode. This will display a tree-like view of all processes running on the system, with the parent processes at the top and child processes indented underneath. Each process is displayed with its name, process ID, and other information such as the CPU usage and memory usage.

In addition to visualizing the process tree, it’s also important to understand the information displayed by these commands. The PID (process ID) is a unique identifier assigned to each process by the operating system. The PPID (parent process ID) is the PID of the parent process that created the current process. The process status indicates the current state of the process, such as running, sleeping, or stopped. The CPU usage and memory usage provide insight into the resource utilization of each process, which can help identify performance issues or resource constraints.

Conclusion

Software developers can effectively monitor and manage running processes on a Linux system by understanding how to display and interpret the process tree. This is especially important in production environments where multiple applications may run concurrently, and resource utilization must be carefully managed. With the right tools and knowledge, developers can ensure that their applications run smoothly and efficiently while avoiding conflicts with other processes running on the same system.

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