Launch Linux Process Explorer: Beginner's Guide
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the process of using the Linux Process Explorer. You will learn the basics, explore key concepts and gain a solid understanding of how to navigate the Linux Process Explorer seamlessly. By the end of this article, you will have the necessary skills to use this powerful tool effectively for managing processes on your Linux Mint system.
What is the Linux Process Explorer?
The Linux Process Explorer, also known as ps and top, is a command-line-based tool that lets you manage all running processes on your Linux Mint system. This tool displays information such as process ID (PID), parent PID, memory usage, and CPU usage, among other important details.
Accessing the Linux Process Explorer
You can access the Linux Process Explorer using the terminal. Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T simultaneously, and you will be greeted with the Linux Mint terminal. Next, let's explore the two most widely used commands for managing processes: ps and top.
ps Command
Using the ps command provides a static view of all running processes on your system at the exact moment you execute the command.
Basic Usage
To display all running processes, use the following command:
ps aux
The ps command offers several options for customizing the output. Let's dive into some of the most commonly used options.
Sorting the Output
Sort the results based on specific criteria (such as CPU or memory usage) with the --sort option, as shown below:
ps aux --sort=-%cpuFiltering the Output
Filter the output using the --grep option:
ps aux --grep "nginx"top Command
The top command provides a dynamic, real-time view of all running processes ordered by their activity.
Basic Usage
Simply enter top into the terminal to display the dynamic list of processes:
topInteracting with top
While top is running, you can interact with it using several keys:
- P: Sort by CPU usage
- M: Sort by memory usage
- N: Sort by PID
- q: Quit
top - Press h in the running
topto see a complete list of interactive keys.
Linux Process Explorer, ps and
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