How to Get Process Name and Description from PID in Linux Terminal

Discover how to retrieve the process name and description from PID in Linux for better insight into your running services.
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How to Get Process Name and Description from PID in Linux Terminal: A Simple Guide

Navigating through processes running on your Linux server can sometimes feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, especially when you have multiple applications running under complex service names. If you've ever tried to identify a Java application based solely on its PID, you've likely encountered a common issue: the process name often appears as /bin/java, which doesn't provide much insight into what the application actually is. So, how can you display the process description, such as "My application," as specified in its .service file? This guide will guide you through the steps to achieve this.

The Challenge

In environments like Ubuntu, where multiple Java applications are running as services, identifying a specific application's details through traditional methods (like using top or checking the executable in /proc/[PID]/exe) can lead to confusion. You might find yourself looking at a long path or simply /bin/java, which doesn't help much when you're trying to manage or troubleshoot your applications.

The Solution

Fortunately, there's a command-line approach that enables you to retrieve the name and description of a process based on its PID. Below are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: List Active Services and Their PIDs

First, you'll want to list all active services and their corresponding PIDs. You can accomplish this by executing the following command in your terminal:

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This command will provide a straightforward output of the active services running on your system along with their PID.

Step 2: Filter Specific Services (Optional)

If you're interested in narrowing down the output to specific services, you can add a grep filter at the end of the command. For example:

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Just replace filter1, filter2, etc., with the actual filters you want to apply.

Step 3: Retrieve Descriptions Along with PIDs

To enrich the output by adding the description of each service, you can modify the command as follows:

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This command will merge both the PID and the service description into a single output line, making it easier to associate each PID with its corresponding service.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of processes and services on a Linux server can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you need precise information about what's running behind the scenes. With the commands shared in this guide, you can confidently retrieve the name and description of processes from their PIDs. By implementing these commands, you can keep a better watch over your applications and manage them more effectively.

Now, with this knowledge at your fingertips, you're ready to tackle those pesky PID queries and streamline your process management like a pro!