Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

For the following command: 

ps x

What does x achieve? The documentation specifies 'select processes without controlling ttys' but I don't understand what this means.

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Some applications, such as interactive shells and TUI vim, run on terminals or terminal emulators. They "have a controlling tty". Other applications, such as daemons and graphical applications, do not.

share|improve this answer
so when I issue a ps x it's supposed to show all my process(?). Can you expand a little further please? – Sheldon Apr 10 '12 at 4:01
How much further can I expand than "doesn't hide processes that don't have a controlling terminal"? – Ignacio Vazquez-Abrams Apr 10 '12 at 4:02

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.