pproc

Pproc is a command-line utility found on some Unix-like operating systems, particularly those derived from or inspired by the Solaris operating system. It serves as a detailed process inspector, offering insights into the resource consumption and operational state of running processes that go beyond what standard tools like ps might provide. Pproc's primary function is to display information about a process's memory usage, CPU time, scheduling details, and associated kernel objects.

The utility typically requires root privileges to access all available information, as it delves into the kernel's internal data structures for each process. When invoked with a process ID, pproc can reveal specifics such as the memory map of the process, including shared libraries and memory segments, as well as detailed CPU scheduling statistics, including time spent in kernel mode versus user mode. It can also show information about the process's open files, network connections, and other system resources it holds.

Pproc is often used by system administrators and developers for in-depth troubleshooting of performance issues or to understand complex process behavior. Its output is generally more verbose and granular than that of ps, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing resource leaks or identifying bottlenecks within an application. While not as commonly found as ps or top, pproc offers a specialized and comprehensive view for those needing to understand process internals at a deeper level.