Dictionary · Linux and Windows Commands
ss
Sockets · Intermediate
A Linux utility that lists sockets, including listening ports and established connections. It is the current replacement for the older netstat workflow.
Use it to see who is listening and who is connected without installing anything extra. Filters keep the list to TCP, UDP, or listening sockets only.
Example: ss -tuln lists listening TCP and UDP sockets numerically, which is a quick view of exposed ports.
Command
Platform: Linux
ss -tuln
-t is TCP, -u is UDP, -l is listening, and -n skips name lookups. Local Address shows the address and port waiting for connections.
Common misconception
- It does not capture packets. It reports sockets the operating system already knows about.