Fuser (Unix)

fuser is a UNIX command used to show which processes are using a specified file, file system, or socket. For example:

# fuser -m -u /mnt/usb1
/mnt/usb1:   1347c(root)  1348c(guido)  1349c(guido)

fuser displays the PIDs of processes using the specified files or  file
      systems.   In the default display mode, each file name is followed by a
      letter denoting the type of access:

c - current directory.

e - executable being run.

f - open file.

F - open file for writing.

r - root directory.

      fuser  returns a non-zero code if none of the files is
      accessed or in case of a fatal error. If at least one access  has  succeeded , fuser returns zero. 

options

-k kills all process accessing a file. For example fuser -d /home/export/ganesh kills all processes accessing this directory without confirmation. Use -i for confirmation

-i interactive mode. Prompt before killing process

-v verbose.

-u append username

-a display all files

Also note that -k sends a SIGKILL to all process. Use the -signal to send a different signal. For a list of signals supported by the fuser run 'fuser -l'

External links

fuser(1): identify processes using files or sockets – Linux man page

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