Process-Delta (psdelta)

psdelta is a cross-platform tool for capturing snapshots of running processes and services, comparing them to find differences (a "delta"), and performing actions based on that delta. It can function like an automated “startup” folder—launching specific processes or services when you need them—or like a “shutdown” tool for quickly terminating unwanted processes and services to free up resources.

Features

• Snapshot Creation: Capture snapshots of running processes and services at any point in time.
• Delta Comparison: Compare snapshots to identify which processes/services started or stopped.
• Automated Actions:
  • Close: Stop specified processes and services.
  • Run: Launch or start processes/services not currently running.
  • Restart: Restart processes and services that have changed.
  • Revert: Invert the actions for scenarios where you want to undo changes.
• Dependency Handling: On Windows, service dependencies are resolved to ensure a correct stop/start order.
• Include/Exclude Filters: Narrow down actions to specific processes/services.
• Delay and Confirm: Wait between actions and optionally prompt for user confirmation.

Typical Use Cases

1. Startup Optimization

   • Automate launching specific services (e.g., VPN service, database server, or custom app) after system boot, mimicking an enhanced “startup folder.”

2. Gaming or High-Performance Environments

   • Shut down unneeded processes and services to free up resources before playing a resource-intensive game.
   • Quickly revert these changes afterward to restore a normal working environment.

3. Testing and Development

   • Maintain different snapshots for testing environments.
   • Quickly start or close test-related services, daemons, or processes.

4. Revert Unwanted Changes

   • If new software or changes introduced unnecessary processes/services, revert to a stable state by loading a previous delta that stops or uninstalls them.

Installation

Option 1: Direct / Download

git clone https://github.com/dustinjd/process-delta.git
cd process-delta

Install Dependencies

• psutil: Cross-platform process and system utilities.
• pywin32 (Windows-only): Required for Windows service management.

pip install psutil pywin32

Option 2: pip install

This install psdelta.py into your Python environment:

pip install git+https://github.com/djdarcy/process-delta.git

Or if you want to install it locally in editable mode for debugging:

pip install -e .

Option 3: Symlink

Alternatively, symlink psdelta.py into /usr/local/bin (on macOS/Linux):

pip install git+https://github.com/djdarcy/process-delta.git

Then invoke psdelta from anywhere.

Usage Examples

python psdelta.py [command] [options]

Command Reference Table

Include a clear table listing all commands and their functions:

Command	Description
save	Captures a snapshot of running processes and services.
compare	Compares two snapshots to generate a delta.
load	Loads a delta and performs actions (e.g., close, run, revert).
delta	Combines snapshot creation and comparison into a single step.
--include <pattern>	Filters actions to include only processes/services matching the pattern.
--exclude <pattern>	Filters actions to exclude processes/services matching the pattern.
--confirm	Prompts for confirmation before executing each action.
--revert	Inverts the meaning of the delta (e.g., starts processes that were stopped).
-d <ms>	Specifies a delay (in milliseconds) between actions.

Example Workflows

Create a Delta

Capture the initial snapshot, make changes (e.g., start services you want for a gaming session), then create the modified snapshot and delta:

# Capture the initial snapshot
psdelta.py save -o initial_snapshot.json

# Make your changes (start or stop processes/services manually)

# Capture the modified snapshot
psdelta.py save -o modified_snapshot.json

# Compare and produce a delta
psdelta.py compare -s1 initial_snapshot.json -s2 modified_snapshot.json -o delta.json

This can also be condensed into a single line:

# Simplified command to create a delta

psdelta.py delta -o startup_optimization_delta.json --wait --save-initial startup_snapshot.json --save-modified startup_optimized_snapshot.json

Load a Delta and Close Processes

psdelta.py load -i delta.json -a close -d 2000

• -a close: Close processes/services identified in the delta.
• -d 2000: Delay 2 seconds between actions.

Automatically Start Services (Reverting a Delta)

psdelta.py load -i delta.json -a run --revert --include "ExpressVPN*"

• Runs previously stopped “ExpressVPN” processes/services.

Related Helper Scripts

While psdelta.py is the primary tool for managing processes and services, two additional helper scripts are included to address specific use cases:

• conhost-parents.py: Traces the parent chain of conhost.exe processes, providing detailed insights into process relationships. This can be useful for debugging or analyzing process trees, especially when working with snapshots or deltas created by psdelta.py.
• desktop-init.py: A simpler but more interactive tool to initialize a virtual desktop environment by ensuring specific shortcuts (.lnk files) are running on the active desktop. This complements psdelta.py by preparing the environment before snapshot creation or delta application. These scripts are optional but can enhance the workflow in more dynamic situations where only a smaller subset of processes are needed. For most use cases, focusing on psdelta.py will be sufficient. An example of how to use psdelta.py can be seen below (simply add *.lnks to programs in ".\Desktop-Startup" relative to the desktop-init.py script which can also be a sym-link to the install location).

Contributing

psdelta is primarily used in a Windows environment, but is designed to work in Linux, Mac, and BSD environments (stubs exist for other OSes). Issues, suggestions, and bug reports are all welcome. Please open an issue if you find something that can be improved. Or:

1. Fork this repository and clone a fork.
2. Make changes on a new branch (e.g., feature/new_action).
3. Submit a pull request describing your changes.

Like the project?

License

process-delta, aka psdelta.py, Copyright (C) 2025 Dustin Darcy

This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.

You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this program. If not, see http://www.gnu.org/licenses/.