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Processes

top

Shows live process and resource usage.

top is an interactive monitor for CPU, memory, load, and process activity.

Syntax
top [options]

Arguments explained

  • -p monitors specific PIDs.
  • -u filters by user on many systems.

Common examples

Open top
top

Starts a live process monitor. Press q to quit.

Monitor one process
top -p 1234

Focuses top on a specific PID.

top Command
FieldDetails
Commandtop
CategoryProcesses
Primary useShows live process and resource usage.
Syntaxtop [options]

Related articles

htop

Provides an interactive process viewer.

ps

Reports current processes.

kill

Sends a signal to a process.