---
name: "sndstat"
section: "7"
platform: "linux"
package: "oss4-base"
version: "4.2-build2010-2"
release: "Debian 8 (Jessie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/sndstat"
---

# sndstat(7)

Open Sound System status device

## NAME

**sndstat** - Open Sound System status device

## DESCRIPTION

**/dev/sndstat is a text formatted device special file that returns information** **about available (OSS) sound devices. This device file is obsolete and the** **[ossinfo(1)](/ossinfo/1.md) utility should be used instead.**

**Notice that the device numbering used in this file is different that the** **official numbering used by [ossinfo(1)](/ossinfo/1.md) and some other utilities. /dev/sndstat** **uses device numbers that match the "legacy" /dev/dspN, /dev/midiN and** **/dev/mixerN device files.**

**Application programs should not use /dev/sndstat to obtain information about the** **sound devices. The format of this file may change in the future and /dev/sndstat** **may even be removed from OSS in distant future. OSS 4.0 and later has an** **ioctl interface for getting detailed and reliable information about the** **devices.**

## AUDIO USAGE HISTORY

**/dev/sndstat reports some history information about previously run audio** **applications. This section is a debugging aid for application developers and** **it will be moved to the ossinfo program in the future.**

**For example:**

```
        History:
        /dev/oss/hdaudio0/pcm0.10: pid 6326 cmd 'error_test' OUT Play events:01009:2 Rec events:01002:0
        /dev/oss/hdaudio0/pcm0.10: pid 6329 cmd 'mpg123' OUT
        /dev/oss/hdaudio0/pcm0.10: pid 6329 cmd 'mpg123' OUT
        /dev/oss/hdaudio0/pcm0.10: pid 6329 cmd 'mpg123' OUT
```

**Each line will show the the device name, PID and name of the application** **(if known) and access mode (IN and/or OUT). There may also be additional** **info about buffer underruns/overruns and other recording and playback** **related events.**

**Each Play and rec events consist of 5-6 digit event code and a parameter** **separated by a colon. A list of defined event codes and their explanations**  **can be found from http://manuals.opensound.com/developer/oss\_error\_codes.html.** **Purpose of these events is to inform application developers by potential** **problems in their code.**

## COMPATIBILITY

**/dev/sndstat has been available in all OSS versions. However in OSS 4.0 and**  **later this device file should only be used by applications written for earlier** **OSS versions.**

## OPTIONS

**None**

## PROGRAMMING INFORMATION

**Some applications use /dev/sndstat to find the audio devices available** **in the system. This method is no longer recommended. Applications should use** **the SNDCTL\_AUDIOINFO(2) ioctl call to find the devices.**

## SEE ALSO

- •

  **[dsp(7)](/dsp/7.md) - Audio device files**

- •

  **[mixer(7)](/mixer/7.md) - Mixer (control panel) device files**

- •

  **[midi(7)](/midi/7.md) - MIDI device files**

## FILES

**/dev/sndstat**

## AUTHOR

**4Front Technologies**