Command library / ps

List running processes

Snapshots the processes running right now. -e means every process (not just ones from your own shell session), -f adds full details (PID, parent PID, start time, full command line), and -u filters to one user's processes.

Usage

Options and flags

• -e, -A

  show every process, from every user (not just this session)

• -f

  full-format listing: PID, parent PID, start time, full command

• -u USER

  only this user's processes

Examples

• ps -e

  Every process on the system — a wide first look.

• ps -ef

  Same, but with full details for each one — PID, parent, start time.

• ps -u root

  Only processes owned by root — useful when hunting for something running with elevated rights.

Common mistakes

Related commands