Tkiller

Tkiller is a command-line utility designed for terminating processes on Unix-like operating systems. Its primary function is to send termination signals to processes based on various criteria, offering more flexibility than basic commands like kill. Tkiller allows users to specify processes to be terminated by their name, user ID, or even partial process IDs.

The utility typically uses signal numbers, such as SIGKILL (signal 9) for forceful termination or SIGTERM (signal 15) for a more graceful shutdown, allowing processes to clean up before exiting. Users can also configure Tkiller to prompt for confirmation before killing any processes, adding a layer of safety. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with potentially critical system processes.

Tkiller can be particularly helpful in scripting scenarios where automated process management is required. For instance, it can be used to ensure that no instances of a specific application are running before initiating an update or to clean up zombie processes. While powerful, it's important for users to understand the implications of terminating processes, as doing so can lead to data loss or system instability if not done carefully. The exact syntax and options for Tkiller may vary slightly depending on the specific implementation or distribution of the operating system.