How to Monitor System Processes in Linux with top Command

 Introduction

The top command shows real-time information about system processes, CPU, and memory usage. It helps administrators troubleshoot performance issues.

Step 1: Run Basic top

top

➡️ Displays processes sorted by CPU usage by default.

Step 2: Sort by Memory Usage

Inside top, press:

Shift + M

➡️ Sorts processes by memory consumption.

Step 3: Kill a Process from top

Press k, then enter the PID of the process to terminate it.

Conclusion

top is an essential monitoring tool that allows you to quickly identify resource-hungry processes.