Understanding the transitory /proc filesystem

Due Processes

Article from Issue 150/2013
Author(s):

The mysterious /proc virtual filesystem is a rich mine of information about everything in your system.

In productivity computing, typical users have limited use for the /proc directory. However, when you want information about all aspects of your system, including hardware, the processes running, and what is happening in the kernel, /proc is a concentrated source of fast and current information.

When learning Linux, you probably heard that everything is represented in the operating system as a file. Most of the files are text or binary, but others are more specialized, such as directories, or the contents of the /dev directory, which represent hardware devices and partitions. The /proc directory and its contents are another specialized type of file, making up a virtual or pseudo-filesystem.

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
Print Issues
Digital Issues
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Print Subs
Digisubs
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Exploring /proc

    The Linux /proc virtual filesystem offers a window into a running system – look inside for information on processes and kernel activity.

    more »
  • Go Programming

    The Go programming language combines type safety with manageable syntax and an extensive library. We take you through a programming example.

    more »
  • Ask Klaus!

    Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of LinuxTag expo. He currently works as a teacher, programmer, and consultant. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine.com

    more »
  • Charly's Column: Di

    The more frequently a command is used, the fewer letters it should have, so the use of twokey commands like ls, mv, and df is second nature. We look at a previously little-known representative of this club, di.

    more »
  • Bootchart

    Bootchart analyzes the boot process and tells you where the system is wasting time.

    more »
comments powered by Disqus

Visit Our Shop

Trial Subscription

Digital Subscription

Subscribe

Direct Download

Read full article as PDF:

Price $2.95

News

Tag Cloud

Administration Community Desktop Events Hardware Linux Linux Pro Magazine Mobile Programming Software Ubuntu Web Development Windows free software open source