Kill all processes matching a given name

ps axww | grep SomeCommand | awk '{ print $1 }' | xargs kill

This command kills all processes with 'SomeCommand' in the process name. There are other more elegant ways to extract the process names from ps but they are hard to remember and not portable across platforms. Use this command with caution as you could accidentally kill other matching processes! xargs is particularly handy in this case because it makes it easy to feed the process IDs to kill and it also ensures that you don't try to feed too many PIDs to kill at once and overflow the command-line buffer. Note that if you are attempting to kill many thousands of runaway processes at once you should use 'kill -9'. Otherwise the system will try to bring each process into memory before killing it and you could run out of memory. Typically when you want to kill many processes at once it is because you are already in a low memory situation so if you don't 'kill -9' you will make things worse

-7

By: philiph

2009-02-28 17:48:51

awk grep ps xargs

Submit An Alternative

What Others Think

pkill (-9) SomeCommand

sander85 · 842 weeks and 2 days ago

pkill is a good alternative on linux or solaris but is not available by default on FreeBSD or Mac OS X.

philiph · 842 weeks and 1 day ago

ps axww | awk '/SomeCommand/ { print $1 }' | xargs kill Awk can grep just fine, so you don't have to grep--one less command. On systems which does not have pkill, try killall (My Mac and my linux boxes have it.) Be warned: killall will attempt to kill all processes, yours or not. Fortunately, since you do not have permission to kill processes that belong to other people, the worse case scenario is you get a bunch of error messages.

haivu · 841 weeks and 6 days ago

Using killall is a terrible idea because if you accidentally run it as root on a machine where it really means 'kill all processes' you will do exactly that and b0rk the system. Replacing the grep with awk is a really good idea, I need to remember that one!

philiph · 841 weeks and 4 days ago

Ever tried "killall" on a solaris machine? Say bye bye to "init" :-)=

angrox · 839 weeks and 4 days ago

>>pkill is a good alternative on linux or solaris but is not available >>by >>default on FreeBSD or Mac OS X. I have pkill on my FreeBSD 11.2

brunobiondo · 333 weeks and 4 days ago

seofox · 178 weeks and 3 days ago

rahimhh21 · 136 weeks and 6 days ago

Perfecthomepugs · 128 weeks and 5 days ago

pugpuppies95 · 90 weeks and 5 days ago

donperi1 · 84 weeks and 3 days ago

Normal appointments listed here are the easiest method to thanks for the work, that is why I am going to the website daily, searching for brand new, fascinating data. Numerous, with thanks! biurko

jackson2321 · 15 weeks and 4 days ago

Good post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Appreciate it! fototapety dla dziewczynki

nnetteBeshears · 15 weeks and 2 days ago

This is a brilliant blog! I'm very happy with the comments!.. 1win login

nnetteBeshears · 14 weeks and 4 days ago

Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. Men Leather Jacket

nnetteBeshears · 14 weeks and 4 days ago

Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually realize what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my site =). We could have a hyperlink change contract between us! istanbul attractions pass

lowopi · 14 weeks and 1 day ago

It's which means that amazing together with inspiring. We really enjoy any designs together with whoever should get it all during the post shall be grinning. https://www.rioperfumes.co.za/

jackson2321 · 13 weeks and 5 days ago

I’m inspired with the surpassing and preachy listing that you furnish in such little timing. https://designerspoolcovers.com/

jackson2321 · 13 weeks ago

I’m inspired with the surpassing and preachy listing that you furnish in such little timing. https://eventbranding.co.za/

jackson2321 · 12 weeks and 6 days ago

I merely imagined it usually is a perception to write could possibly help anybody ended up being experiencing difficulity looking into nevertheless We are somewhat doubtful only are permitted to placed labels along with details in below. Stratégies à mettre en place pour la fidélisation client

jackson2321 · 12 weeks and 5 days ago

When i stunned while using the research people meant to makes unique post awesome. Superb pastime! biurka dla dzieci

jackson2321 · 12 weeks and 4 days ago

Bergabung dengan Apkslot dan mainkan Slot777 untuk menikmati bonus besar serta peluang menang fantastis. Dapatkan akses mudah ke permainan slot terbaik melalui aplikasi resmi di Google PlayStore atau AppStore. login apk slot

jackson2321 · 12 weeks ago

Apakah Anda ingin bermain slot dengan deposit kecil? Bolaslot menyediakan peluang menang besar dan rtp akurat. Login lewat Bolaslot88 dan nikmati pengalaman bermain yang menyenangkan dan menguntungkan. https://bolaslot.com/

jackson2321 · 12 weeks ago

That is thus gorgeous and also imaginative. I recently really like the particular shades and also anyone who receives that inside the email will probably be beaming. ?? ???

jackson2321 · 10 weeks and 5 days ago

I'm just seriously able to obtain this blog plus have love looking through handy reports created listed here. A strategies of your article writer appeared to be magnificent, with thanks for any promote. ?? ???

jackson2321 · 10 weeks and 2 days ago

Amazing! Exactly what a watch opener this particular publish may be personally. Greatly valued, saved, We can’t await much more! ????

jackson2321 · 9 weeks and 5 days ago

This is my first visit to your web journal! We are a group of volunteers and new activities in the same specialty. Website gave us helpful data to work. https://xn--vk1bj06annap4ch4n.com/

nnetteBeshears · 9 weeks and 2 days ago

This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives indepth information. Thanks for this nice article. ?????? ufabet

nnetteBeshears · 9 weeks and 2 days ago

The 1xBet promo code: “1XRUN200” best offers new users a 100% sports bonus up to $130 or a casino bonus up to $1950 +150 free spins, appealing to both sports bettors and casino players. To access your account, visit the 1xBet website and log in. Then, go to the "Promo" section to check your bonus balance, and visit the Promo Code Store to select a promo code for your preferred sports. http://centroculturalrecoleta.org/blog/pages/1xbet_promo_code_list_somalia_2022.html">1xbet free promo code india

jackson2321 · 8 weeks and 6 days ago

Many thanks regarding submitting this kind of fantastic write-up! I came across your internet site perfect for my own wants. It includes great and also beneficial content. Maintain the nice perform! ???? ???

jackson2321 · 8 weeks and 5 days ago

This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. olxtoto slot

jackson2321 · 8 weeks and 4 days ago

This can be a excellent post, Many thanks with regard to providing me personally these details. Maintain publishing. Personal training Maitland FL

jackson2321 · 8 weeks and 2 days ago

Seriously sturdy, magnificent, fact-filled information and facts listed here. A person's discussions Never need disappoint, and the unquestionably is valid listed here in addition. You actually continually make a fun learn. Do you convey to I'm just happy?: )#) Keep up to date the nice reports. ?????

jackson2321 · 7 weeks and 2 days ago

Excellent writing. This write-up has effects on many critical troubles your contemporary society. Most of us cannot be uninvolved to help most of these troubles. That write-up allows good ideas in addition to methods. Incredibly beneficial in addition to realistic. ?? ??? ??

jackson2321 · 7 weeks and 1 day ago

Travel in luxury with our reliable airport car service. Serving JFK, Newark, LaGuardia, TEB, PHL, and BDL with professional chauffeurs. On-time, stylish, and comfortable rides. Book now! private jet limousine

jackson2321 · 6 weeks and 6 days ago

Genuinely reliable, wonderful, fact-filled data below. Your current blogposts Do not ever let down, knowning that surely holds true below also. Anyone often create a unique go through. Could you explain to I am just satisfied?: )#) Carry on the fantastic content. Dr Eliran Mor MD

jackson2321 · 4 weeks and 5 days ago

jackson2321 · 4 weeks and 4 days ago

her in fact awesome blog page. her realy content rich and then a this fantastic profession. i prefer this unique. Slot Gacor

jackson2321 · 4 weeks and 4 days ago

The audio will be awesome. You might have several extremely skilled performers. My partner and i want an individual the most effective regarding accomplishment. situs slot gacor The audio will be awesome. You might have several extremely skilled performers. My partner and i want an individual the most effective regarding accomplishment. olxtoto macau login The audio will be awesome. You might have several extremely skilled performers. My partner and i want an individual the most effective regarding accomplishment. Link alternatif olxtoto The audio will be awesome. You might have several extremely skilled performers. My partner and i want an individual the most effective regarding accomplishment. toto togel 4d The audio will be awesome. You might have several extremely skilled performers. My partner and i want an individual the most effective regarding accomplishment. Bilskrot Göteborg

jackson2321 · 4 weeks and 2 days ago

it has the seriously brilliant site. it has the realy informational including a this sort of fine occupation. everyone loves the following. situs toto slot

jackson2321 · 4 weeks and 1 day ago

You might be allowed to submit brands, however, not back links, except if they may be accepted and also about matter. olxtoto login

jackson2321 · 4 weeks and 1 day ago

Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. alxloginbaru.com

nnetteBeshears · 4 weeks ago

I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. togel online I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. olxtoto I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. olxtoto I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. olxtoto jitu I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. ???? ???

jackson2321 · 3 weeks and 4 days ago

Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. ????????????

jackson2321 · 3 weeks and 2 days ago

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. esports lawyers

nnetteBeshears · 2 weeks and 4 days ago

This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. bandar togel This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. olxtoto This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. olxtoto This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. olxtoto togel This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. ???? ???

jackson2321 · 2 weeks and 2 days ago

This can be a excellent post, Many thanks with regard to providing me personally these details. Maintain publishing. 99 predictions

jackson2321 · 1 week and 5 days ago

This is the details My business is locating everywhere you go. Appreciate it on your blog site, I just now signed up your site. That is a pleasant blog site. inch. phtala

jackson2321 · 1 week and 3 days ago

Any movies is normally outstanding. You've gotten a lot of particularly as good writers and singers. Document prefer you will the best quality about financial success. sex

jackson2321 · 4 days ago

What do you think?

Any thoughts on this command? Does it work on your machine? Can you do the same thing with only 14 characters?

You must be signed in to comment.

What's this?

commandlinefu.com is the place to record those command-line gems that you return to again and again. That way others can gain from your CLI wisdom and you from theirs too. All commands can be commented on, discussed and voted up or down.

Share Your Commands

Similar Commands

Kill all processes that don't belong to root/force logoff

kill defunct processes by killing their parents

kill all processes using a directory/file/etc

Kill all Zombie processes (Guaranteed!)

Stay in the loop…

Follow the Tweets.

Every new command is wrapped in a tweet and posted to Twitter. Following the stream is a great way of staying abreast of the latest commands. For the more discerning, there are Twitter accounts for commands that get a minimum of 3 and 10 votes - that way only the great commands get tweeted.

» http://twitter.com/commandlinefu
» http://twitter.com/commandlinefu3
» http://twitter.com/commandlinefu10

Subscribe to the feeds.

Use your favourite RSS aggregator to stay in touch with the latest commands. There are feeds mirroring the 3 Twitter streams as well as for virtually every other subset (users, tags, functions,…):

Subscribe to the feed for:

» all commands
» commands with 3 up-votes (commandlinefu3)
» commands with 10 up-votes (commandlinefu10)