kill#
kill is used to send signals to processes. It allows users to terminate processes, stop and continue their execution,
and send other types of signals for various purposes.
Usage#
kill [-s signal | -signal] <pid [...]>
-s signal: Specifies the signal to send by name. The SIG prefix is optional (e.g., TERM or SIGTERM).-signal: Specifies the signal to send by its name without the -s option and with a mandatory - prefix (e.g., -TERM or -SIGTERM).<pid>: The process ID(s) to which the signal should be sent. Multiple PIDs can be specified, separated by spaces.
Description#
kill is commonly used to manage process execution. By default, if no signal is specified, SIGTERM is sent,
which requests the termination of the process. The utility can send almost any signal,
allowing for nuanced process control.
Signals#
Commonly used signals include:
SIGTERM: Gracefully terminate the process.
SIGKILL: Immediately terminate the process. Cannot be ignored.
SIGSTOP: Stop the process’s execution.
SIGCONT: Continue the process if it is currently stopped.