What Is Zombie Process in Linux?

What Is Zombie Process in Linux?
Contents

A zombie process is a process whose execution is completed but it still has an entry in the process table. Zombie processes usually occur for child processes, as the parent process still needs to read its child’s exit status. … This is known as reaping the zombie process.

What is Zombie task in Linux?

On Unix and Unix-like computer operating systems, a zombie process or defunct process is a process that has completed execution (via the exit system call) but still has an entry in the process table: it is a process in the “Terminated state”.

How do I kill a zombie process in Linux?

You can follow below steps to attempt killing zombie processes without system reboot.

  1. Identify the zombie processes. top -b1 -n1 | grep Z. …
  2. Find the parent of zombie processes. …
  3. Send SIGCHLD signal to the parent process. …
  4. Identify if the zombie processes have been killed. …
  5. Kill the parent process.

24 февр. 2020 г.

Maya Lin-Takahashi
Author

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.