6

could somebody clarify what the meaning pseudo file system means and how is it different to a regular file system from different point views (users/processes/apps) .

Improve this question
6
  • 4
    Could you provide some more context? Maybe check out how to ask good questions.
    – Seth
    Apr 10, 2017 at 12:42
  • 1
    If that is the case here is your answer: linux.die.net/man/5/proc In case it's that easy consider using a search engine using your keywords.
    – Seth
    Apr 10, 2017 at 12:45
  • 3
    Where have you seen this term? It's not clear @aeid else we wouldn't be asking. I'm betting this is a homework question.
    – djsmiley2kStaysInside
    Apr 10, 2017 at 12:45
  • proc is not the only pseudo file system , there is dev , sys .. , now what is it ?
    – Ahmed Eid
    Apr 10, 2017 at 12:47
  • 1
    You use those terms on your favorite search engine? If you actually read the explanation about what proc is you would understand what makes it a pseudo file system and you would be able to do some more research whenever that is the general understanding. If you want to get actual help you should check your attitude and be less condescending. In addition you still should check how to ask a good question to understand why this isn't one.
    – Seth
    Apr 10, 2017 at 12:54

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
13

'Pseudo-' means false, pretend. So "pseudo-filesystem" means a filesystem that doesn't have actual files – rather, it has virtual entries that the filesystem itself makes up on the spot.

For example, /proc on many OSes is a procfs which dynamically generates directories for every process. Similarly, /sys on Linux generates files and directories to represent hardware layouts. There are FUSE-based pseudo-filesystems for a lot of things.

/dev may be a real filesystem (just a subdirectory of /), or a virtual pseudo-filesystem (e.g. devfs), or a middle point such as Linux devtmpfs (which is a full in-memory filesystem but still creates device nodes out of nowhere).

Improve this answer
8

A pseudo file system maintains information about the currently running system.

This information doesn't persist across reboots. It exists while the system in running only in RAM; in Window this would be the HKLM.

In linux /dev this includes things like /dev/tty# /dev/ttyS# they indicate devices as they are connected and they be created dynamically.

/sys shows a representation of the physical devices in the machine.

/proc maintain a lot of info about the current control set.

Example: free command is just importing info from /proc/meminfo file.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .