[SOLVED] How can I tell which version of a program is running?

Captain Kirk · 01-25-2011, 11:27 AM

For example, if different versions exist in /usr/bin/ and /usr/local/bin, how can I tell which one is actually being executed?
'which xxxxx' simply lists the first instance found in $PATH, which is usually /usr/local/bin/, but this may not necessarily be the actual instance that is running.

colucix · 01-25-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Kirk

'which xxxxx' simply lists the first instance found in $PATH, which is usually /usr/local/bin/, but this may not necessarily be the actual instance that is running.

Actually, yes! If the two binaries have the same name, the first encountered in PATH is that one executed. Unless you run it specifying its full path.

arizonagroovejet · 01-25-2011, 02:02 PM

As colucix says, but if you want to see what is actually currently running then use 'ps'. E.g

show all processes belonging to you

Code:

$ ps U $USER

See all processes

Code:

$ ps ax

ptader · 01-25-2011, 04:12 PM

Check out the exe link in /proc/<PID>/

$ ps -ef|grep terminal
ptader 14892 14891 0 13:20 ? 00:00:12 gnome-terminal

$ sudo ls -l /proc/14892/exe
lrwxrwxrwx 1 ptader ptader 0 2011-01-25 16:10 /proc/14892/exe -> /usr/bin/gnome-terminal