Session and utilities

The ulimit command

Shows or limits the resources your session can consume: open files, processes, memory, etc.

Syntax

ulimit [-a]

Most useful options

-aShows all limits
-nMaximum open files
-uMaximum processes

Copy-ready examples

$ ulimit -aSee the limits

You can try them in the browser terminal: it does not touch your computer.

Typical mistakes

  • Raising some limits requires administrator rights.

Related commands

freepstop

FAQ

Why do I get 'too many open files'?

Because you exceeded the -n limit; raise it with ulimit -n.

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