How to use the 'pwdx' command (with examples)

The pwdx command is a useful utility in Unix-like operating systems that allows users to print the working directory of a given process. This command is particularly handy when managing or debugging processes, as it helps administrators and developers identify the directory from which a process is running. It can be invaluable in various situations, such as troubleshooting, server management, or ensuring that processes are running from the correct directories.

Use case 1: Print current working directory of a process

Code:

pwdx process_id

Motivation:

There are numerous occasions where a system administrator or developer may need to know where a particular process is executing from. For instance, if a server is experiencing issues with a specific application, understanding the context of that process can be crucial. Is it running in the right environment or directory? Is it accessing files as expected? By using pwdx, one can get immediate insights into the process’s current working directory without having to search through potentially complex logs or configurations. This command provides a straightforward look into the running environment of the process, enabling more efficient debugging and management.

Explanation:

The pwdx command is concise and easy to use. It’s comprised of two main components:

• pwdx: This is the command itself. It stands for “print working directory of a process.” When executed, it queries the system for the directory from which the specified process is running.

• process_id: This is an essential argument where you specify the ID of the process you want to investigate. The process ID (PID) is a unique identifier the operating system assigns to each active process. By providing the PID to pwdx, the system returns the directory information for that specific process.

Example output:

Imagine you want to check the working directory of a process with a PID of 12345. After running the command:

pwdx 12345

You might receive an output looking something like this:

12345: /usr/local/bin/myapplication

This output tells you that the process with ID 12345 is currently running in the /usr/local/bin/myapplication directory. Such information can confirm if the process has the correct working path or indicate issues if it doesn’t align with expected configurations.