ports

The "ports" command line tool is used to identify active network connections on a computer system. It allows users to view the list of open ports that are being used by various applications or services. By default, it displays a list of open TCP ports, including the address and process ID associated with each connection.

The command can be customized using various options and flags to provide more detailed information. For example, users can specify the protocol (TCP or UDP), filter results by IP address or port number, or sort the output based on different criteria.

One of the common uses of the "ports" command is for troubleshooting network connectivity issues. It helps in identifying open ports and determining which applications or services are using them. This information can assist in diagnosing conflicts, checking for unauthorized connections, or verifying if a required service is running.

The tool is widely used in both Unix-like systems, such as Linux and macOS, as well as Windows operating systems. It serves as an essential utility for system administrators, network engineers, or any user interested in analyzing network connections from the command line.

Overall, the "ports" command line tool provides a quick and efficient way to inspect active network connections and gain insights into the network activity of a system.