How to see CPU utilization in Linux?

How to See CPU Utilization in Linux

Introduction

In this article, we will explore how to see CPU utilization in Linux. CPU utilization is the percentage of time a CPU is busy executing instructions, and it can be a useful tool for monitoring system performance. In this guide, we will cover the different ways to see CPU utilization in Linux, including using the top command, htop command, and the sysdig command.

Method 1: Using the top Command

The top command is a built-in Linux utility that displays a list of running processes, including their CPU utilization. Here’s how to use it:

• Open a terminal and type top to start the command.
• The top command will display a list of running processes, including their CPU utilization.
• To see the CPU utilization of a specific process, use the -u option followed by the process ID (PID) of the process. For example, top -u 1234 will display the CPU utilization of process 1234.
• To see the CPU utilization of all processes, use the -p option followed by the number of processes to display. For example, top -p 1000 will display the CPU utilization of all processes.

Method 2: Using the htop Command

The htop command is a more advanced version of the top command that provides more detailed information about running processes. Here’s how to use it:

• Open a terminal and type htop to start the command.
• The htop command will display a list of running processes, including their CPU utilization.
• To see the CPU utilization of a specific process, use the -u option followed by the process ID (PID) of the process. For example, htop -u 1234 will display the CPU utilization of process 1234.
• To see the CPU utilization of all processes, use the -p option followed by the number of processes to display. For example, htop -p 1000 will display the CPU utilization of all processes.

Method 3: Using the sysdig Command

The sysdig command is a powerful tool for monitoring system performance. Here’s how to use it to see CPU utilization:

• Open a terminal and type sysdig to start the command.
• The sysdig command will display a list of system events, including CPU utilization.
• To see the CPU utilization of a specific process, use the -c option followed by the process ID (PID) of the process. For example, sysdig -c 1234 will display the CPU utilization of process 1234.
• To see the CPU utilization of all processes, use the -c option followed by the number of processes to display. For example, sysdig -c 1000 will display the CPU utilization of all processes.

Table: CPU Utilization Statistics

Metric	Description
CPU Utilization	The percentage of time a CPU is busy executing instructions.
CPU Usage	The amount of time a CPU is busy executing instructions.
CPU Load	The average amount of time a CPU is busy executing instructions.
CPU Idle	The amount of time a CPU is not busy executing instructions.

Method 4: Using the top Command with --graph Option

The top command with the --graph option can be used to display CPU utilization in a graphical format. Here’s how to use it:

• Open a terminal and type top to start the command.
• The top command will display a list of running processes, including their CPU utilization.
• To see the CPU utilization of a specific process, use the -u option followed by the process ID (PID) of the process. For example, top -u 1234 will display the CPU utilization of process 1234.
• To see the CPU utilization of all processes, use the -p option followed by the number of processes to display. For example, top -p 1000 will display the CPU utilization of all processes.
• To display the CPU utilization in a graphical format, use the --graph option followed by the number of processes to display. For example, top --graph 1000 will display the CPU utilization of all processes in a graphical format.

Method 5: Using the htop Command with --graph Option

The htop command with the --graph option can be used to display CPU utilization in a graphical format. Here’s how to use it:

• Open a terminal and type htop to start the command.
• The htop command will display a list of running processes, including their CPU utilization.
• To see the CPU utilization of a specific process, use the -u option followed by the process ID (PID) of the process. For example, htop -u 1234 will display the CPU utilization of process 1234.
• To see the CPU utilization of all processes, use the -p option followed by the number of processes to display. For example, htop -p 1000 will display the CPU utilization of all processes.
• To display the CPU utilization in a graphical format, use the --graph option followed by the number of processes to display. For example, htop --graph 1000 will display the CPU utilization of all processes in a graphical format.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored different ways to see CPU utilization in Linux. We have covered the top command, htop command, and the sysdig command, as well as the top command with the --graph option. We have also discussed the htop command with the --graph option and the sysdig command. By using these tools, you can gain a better understanding of your system’s performance and identify areas for improvement.

Recommendations

• Use the top command to monitor CPU utilization in real-time.
• Use the htop command to display CPU utilization in a graphical format.
• Use the sysdig command to monitor system performance and CPU utilization.
• Use the top command with the --graph option to display CPU utilization in a graphical format.
• Use the htop command with the --graph option to display CPU utilization in a graphical format.

By following these recommendations, you can gain a better understanding of your system’s performance and identify areas for improvement.