ddntpctl

ddntpctl is a command-line utility used for controlling and monitoring the ntpd (Network Time Protocol daemon) service. It allows users to interact with a running ntpd process to obtain information about its status, configured peers, and current time synchronization.

The primary function of ddntpctl is to provide a way to query the ntpd daemon without needing to directly access its log files or reconfigure the daemon itself. It can display the status of the synchronization, including whether ntpd is currently synchronized to a time source, the stratum level of the source, and the estimated offset from the true time.

Furthermore, ddntpctl can list the configured time servers or peers that ntpd is attempting to synchronize with. For each peer, it can show details such as the IP address or hostname, the polling interval, and the state of the association (e.g., whether it's a candidate, selected, or discarded peer). This information is crucial for diagnosing synchronization issues or understanding the ntpd configuration.

In some implementations, ddntpctl might also offer limited control capabilities, such as requesting ntpd to re-read its configuration file or temporarily disable synchronization with a specific peer. However, its main purpose remains informational, facilitating the monitoring and troubleshooting of the ntpd service on a system. The exact commands and output format can vary slightly depending on the specific version and operating system where ddntpctl is used.