# ping Command Reference
## What it does
Tests network connectivity and measures round-trip time to a destination host using ICMP packets.
## Basic Usage
```bash
ping google.com # Ping until stopped (Ctrl+C)
ping -c 4 google.com # Send 4 packets then stop
ping 8.8.8.8 # Ping using IP address
```
## Common Arguments
| Argument | Description |
|----------|-------------|
| `-c count` | Send specific number of packets |
| `-i interval` | Wait interval seconds between packets |
| `-t timeout` | Set timeout in seconds |
| `-s size` | Set packet size in bytes |
| `-q` | Quiet mode (summary only) |
| `-v` | Verbose output |
| `-n` | Don't resolve hostnames |
## Advanced Options
```bash
# Flood ping (requires sudo)
sudo ping -f google.com
# Set packet size
ping -s 1024 google.com
# Ping with timestamp
ping -D google.com
# Ping specific interface
ping -I en0 google.com
```
## Timing Options
| Argument | Description |
|----------|-------------|
| `-i 0.2` | Send packets every 0.2 seconds |
| `-W 3000` | Wait 3 seconds for response |
| `-t 10` | Stop after 10 seconds |
## Quick Commands
```bash
# Basic connectivity test
ping -c 3 google.com
# Fast ping test
ping -c 10 -i 0.2 8.8.8.8
# Quiet ping (just summary)
ping -q -c 5 github.com
# Large packet test
ping -c 3 -s 1472 google.com
```
## Reading Results
```bash
64 bytes from google.com (142.250.191.46): icmp_seq=1 ttl=115 time=12.3 ms
```
- `64 bytes` → Packet size received
- `icmp_seq=1` → Sequence number
- `ttl=115` → Time to live (hops remaining)
- `time=12.3 ms` → Round-trip time
## Pro Tip
> Use **Ctrl+C** to stop continuous ping and see statistics summary.