Show active kernel slab caches
Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
read-onlyno known side effects Compatibility
LinuxVerified for Linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax.
Operational knowledgereview due 2027-01-20
Requirementsvmstatvmstat must be installed and available on PATH.
Version supportvmstat Current supported releasesVerified for linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax; consult compatibility notes for platform-specific differences.
Expected signalsCache Num Total Size PagesRepresentative successful output; values vary with the selected target and system state.
Known errorsvmstat: command not foundvmstat is missing or is not available on PATH.
Verifyvmstat -m | head -10The output matches the expected target and exits without an error.Rollback noteNot required: this command is read-only and does not change system state.
Command breakdown
01vmstatCommandRuns the vmstat stage of this one-liner.
02-mOptionConfigures vmstat with the -m option.
03|PipelinePasses the output on the left to the command on the right.
04headCommandRuns the head stage of this one-liner.
05-10OptionConfigures head with the -10 option.
Example input
vmstat -m | head -10
Example output
Cache Num Total Size Pages
nf_conntrack 128 128 320 25
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Official sources