pstree Linux Command Guide

The pstree command in Linux allows users to view a structured tree diagram of all running processes on the system. By displaying parent-child relationships, pstree provides a clear overview of the process hierarchy, making it easier to understand how different processes are related and organized. This can be particularly useful for troubleshooting, monitoring system performance, and managing processes effectively.

pstree Syntax:

pstree [option] [pid]

Options:

Option	Description
-a	Show command line arguments
-c	Show the command name
-h	Highlight the current process
-l	Use long format
-n	Sort by PID
-p	Show PIDs
-u	Display UID
-v	Display PPID

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
pid	Specify the process ID to start

Caution

Exercise caution when using the pstree command, as it displays a tree of processes and their PIDs in the system. Incorrect use of the command may lead to misinterpretation of process relationships and potentially unwanted actions in the system.

pstree Command Samples:

Display the process tree

pstree

This command displays the current process tree in a hierarchical format.

Display the process tree with a specific PID

pstree -p 1234

This command displays the process tree starting from the process with PID 1234.

Display the process tree with additional information

pstree -a

This command displays the process tree with additional information such as the process’s full command line.

Display the process tree recursively

pstree -h

This command displays the process tree in a format suitable for viewing on the terminal.

Display the process tree with ASCII characters

pstree -A

This command displays the process tree using ASCII characters for better readability.

Display the process tree along with CPU usage

pstree -c

This command shows the process tree along with CPU usage information.

Display the process tree with user/group details

pstree -ug

This command displays the process tree along with user and group details for each process.

Tip

When using the pstree command in Linux, you can customize the output by using various command options. Experiment with different options to get the desired view of the processes in your system.

How do I use pstree in Linux?

To use the pstree command in Linux, execute the following command:

pstree

What is the purpose of the pstree command?

The pstree command displays running processes as a tree. It shows the relationship between processes, with the parent-child hierarchy represented visually.

How can I display the process tree of a specific process ID with pstree?

You can display the process tree for a specific process ID by using the following command:

pstree -p <PID>

Can I display the pstree with full path names of processes?

Yes, you can display the pstree with full path names of processes by using the following command:

pstree -a

How can I show the pstree with the user that owns each process?

To show the pstree with the user that owns each process, you can use the following command:

pstree -u

Is there a way to display the pstree with the command line arguments of processes?

You can display the pstree with the command line arguments of processes by using the following command:

pstree -c

Applications of the pstree command

• Displaying a tree of processes
• Highlighting the relationship between processes
• Providing a visual representation of the process hierarchy
• Identifying parent and child processes
• Monitoring process relationships