LinuxCommandLibrary

lsns

List Linux namespaces

TLDR

List all namespaces

$ lsns
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List namespaces in JSON format
$ lsns [[-J|--json]]
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List namespaces associated with the specified process
$ lsns [[-p|--task]] [pid]
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List the specified type of namespaces only
$ lsns [[-t|--type]] [mnt|net|ipc|user|pid|uts|cgroup|time]
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List namespaces, only showing the namespace ID, type, PID, and command
$ lsns [[-o|--output]] [NS,TYPE,PID,COMMAND]
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SYNOPSIS

lsns [options]

PARAMETERS

-a
    List all block devices.

-b
    List devices in byte sizes.

-d
    List only block devices, not partitions.

-i
    List device topology in inodes (only available for sysfs-based setups).

-l
    Long listing format.

-n
    List devices by name only.

-o columns
    Specify columns to display. Comma separated list (e.g. NAME,MAJ:MIN). Use lsns -o HELP to see available columns.

-p
    List partitions.

-S sort
    Sort output by specified columns. Use lsns -S HELP to see available columns.

-t
    Display device topology.

-V
    Display version information.

-h
    Display help message.

--bytes
    Print SIZE in bytes rather than in human-readable format.

--fs
    List filesystem related information.

--sysroot directory
    Prefix all device paths with the specified directory.

[device]
    Specify a device to list.

DESCRIPTION

The lsns command lists the block devices available on the system, presenting information about their hierarchy and topology. This is useful for understanding how storage devices are connected and configured. The command can display detailed information about devices, partitions, logical volumes, and other related entities. It provides a structured output showing the relationships between these components. The tool helps in troubleshooting storage issues, identifying device paths, and managing storage resources. The output can be filtered and customized to show specific device types or attributes.

lsns is part of the util-linux package, which is essential for basic system administration. It reads information from the kernel and device files under /dev and /sys to build its output. The output can be formatted in different ways to improve readability and suitability for scripting.

DEVICE IDENTIFICATION

lsns relies on information provided by the kernel and device files. The output can be affected by device drivers and udev rules.

SCRIPTING

The -o option is particularly useful for scripting, as it allows you to select specific columns and generate output in a format suitable for parsing.

HISTORY

lsns is part of the util-linux package, which has been under continuous development for a long time. The command was created to provide a more structured and informative way to list block devices compared to traditional tools. Over time, it has been enhanced with new features and options to support modern storage technologies and system configurations.

The usage of lsns has increased as systems become more complex and require better tools for managing storage resources. Its clear output and filtering capabilities make it a valuable tool for system administrators and developers.

SEE ALSO

lsblk(8), blkid(8), parted(8)

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