What is the purpose of the 'ps' command in Linux?

The 'ps' command in Linux is specifically designed to display information about currently running processes on the system. It provides a snapshot of what processes are active at that moment, including details such as process IDs (PIDs), user ownership, CPU usage, memory usage, and more. This command is essential for system monitoring and debugging, allowing users and system administrators to manage processes efficiently.

This capability makes 'ps' invaluable for understanding the behavior of applications and the system overall, troubleshooting issues, and performing administrative tasks related to process management. The information provided by 'ps' can help in identifying processes that may require termination, optimization, or further inspection to ensure the system operates smoothly.