getconf:tldr:b55de

getconf: Check how many processes the current user can run at once.

getconf

$ getconf CHILD_MAX

try on your machine

The command "getconf CHILD_MAX" is used to display the maximum number of simultaneous processes or child processes that can be created by the system.

In a Unix-like operating system, processes are created using a mechanism known as forking. When a process forks, it creates a child process that is an exact copy of itself. This child process can then execute a different program or perform a different task.

However, there is a limit to the number of child processes that can be created by a system. This limit is set by the "CHILD_MAX" parameter. The "getconf" command is used to retrieve the value of this parameter.

By running the "getconf CHILD_MAX" command, the system will display the maximum number of child processes that can be simultaneously created. This information can be useful for system administrators or programmers who need to manage or tune the system for optimal performance.

This explanation was created by an AI. In most cases those are correct. But please always be careful and never run a command you are not sure if it is safe.

back to the getconf tool