MacOS du command
The MacOS du command is a powerful tool for analyzing disk usage on your system. By displaying the size of directories and files, you can identify storage-hungry items and manage your disk space effectively. With various options to customize the output format, you can delve deep into specific directories or exclude certain files from the analysis. By understanding the disk usage distribution, you can optimize storage capacity and improve system performance.
du Syntax:
du [option] [parameter]Options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -d, —max-depth | Limit the output to a specific depth |
| -h, —human-readable | Print sizes in human readable format |
| -s, —summarize | Display only a total for each argument |
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| directory | Specify the directory to analyze |
du Usage:
List Sizes of Files and Directories in the Current Directory
du -sh *Displays the total sizes of files and directories in the current directory.
Display Sizes of Files and Directories with Human-readable Format
du -hDisplays sizes of files and directories in a human-readable format.
List Sizes of Files and Directories Sorted by Size
du -sh * | sort -hLists the sizes of files and directories sorted by size.
Show Sizes of Files and Directories in a Specific Directory
du -h /path/to/directoryDisplays sizes of files and directories in a specific directory.
{Questions}
Applications of the du command
- Checking disk usage of directories and files
- Identifying large files or directories
- Monitoring disk usage to prevent running out of disk space
- Analyzing disk usage to free up storage
- Verifying if certain files or directories are taking up too much space