Exploring the /proc filesystem with Python and shell commands
/proc Talk

© Lead Image © Ioannis Kounadeas, Fotolia.com
The Linux /proc virtual filesystem offers a window into a running system – look inside for information on processes and kernel activity.
The proc
filesystem [1] (procfs for short), is a Linux pseudo-filesystem that provides an interface to the operating system's kernel data structures. Procfs leverages the well-known concept of "in Unix, everything is a file" [2] to provide the same uniform interface of Unix file I/O (e.g., open, read, write, close, etc.) for getting kernel- and OS-related information. This uniformity makes it easier for the Linux programmer or system administrator to learn about the kernel, with fewer interfaces to learn.
Procfs is usually mounted at /proc
. Many kinds of information about the operating system (OS) and processes running in it are exposed via pseudo-files in procfs. By reading data from /proc
files, you can learn a lot of useful information about the system.
This article shows some ways of getting information from procfs using custom Python programs and Linux commands.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.