kcore file

[Tarek_1]

Hi there,
i have found under /proc a file kcore of 536866816 bytes!! It's too big, what is it??
Is it a dump file like the core of hpux?
Can i remove it?
Thanks in advance
Tarek

P.S.: using Redhat 7.2

[Marcin Golembski_1 · Accepted solution]

This is a virtual file and it's contents is the memory of your computer - 512 MB, right? You can't delete it... The whole /proc file system is virtual. In short it provides information about your computer configuration. Don't worry, it does not actually occupy your computer's resources, except some memory.

[Jarle Bjorgeengen]

The /proc filesystem is only a "window/gate" into your running kernel, which makes it possible to look at, or change, a lot of things in the running kernel.

Don't try to cat, more or less the kcore file.

Rgds Jarle