10

I noticed a process taking full CPU on my linux server, of which the COMMAND column from top -c is -bash.

cat /proc/<pid>/cmdline shows -bash too.

What does the leading dash mean?

More info: I don't know if it's relevant, /proc/<pid>/exe -> /bin/bash (deleted)

1 Answer 1

14

The dash is only relevant to bash (and other shells). It only means that the shell is a login shell.

2
  • I couldn't find this information in manpages for w , which uses the same convention while displaying bash login shell, - where is this convention documented in the first place? Aug 16, 2023 at 12:48
  • Nevermind, this has been thoroughly addressed in superuser.com/a/278865/304718 Aug 16, 2023 at 12:50

You must log in to answer this question.

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