The `atop` Command to List Running Processes in Linux

What is a Process in Linux?

In Linux, a process is a running instance of a program. When you execute a program, it becomes a process, an independent, executing entity with its own memory space. Each process is assigned a unique identifier, the Process ID (PID). Processes are fundamental to the functioning of the operating system and play a crucial role in multitasking, allowing the computer to execute multiple tasks concurrently....

List Running Processes in Linux

We can use multiple commands to list the running processes in Linux like ps, top, htop, and atop commands in Linux. We can also have a combination of commands to list the running processes in Linux....

1. The `ps` Command to List Running Processes in Linux

The `ps` command, which stands for “process status,” is like a computer tool that helps you see what’s happening inside your Linux computer. Imagine your computer is doing several things simultaneously, like running different programs or apps. These are the processes and the `ps` command lets you take a quick look at them. When you use it without any special instructions, it shows you the processes that are connected to the window or screen you are currently using. But here’s where it gets interesting: you can make the ps command show you exactly what you want to know by giving it special instructions, called options. These options let you customize the information you see, like finding out which programs are using the most computer power or checking what a specific user is doing. So, while it can give you a basic overview, the ps command’s real strength is in letting you choose exactly what details you want to see about the processes on your computer....

2. The `top` Command to List Running Processes in Linux

In Linux, the `top` command is a dynamic and interactive tool that provides real-time information about system processes. It offers a comprehensive view of running processes, system resource utilization, and other critical system metrics. This article explores how to effectively use the top command to monitor and manage processes....

3. The `htop` Command to List Running Processes in Linux

`htop` is an interactive process viewer for Linux that provides a visually appealing and feature-rich alternative to the traditional `top` command. It allows users to monitor and manage system processes in real-time with an easy-to-use interface. This guide demonstrates how to utilize `htop` to list running processes on a Linux system....

4. The `atop` Command to List Running Processes in Linux

`atop` is a powerful and interactive system and process monitor for Linux that provides detailed information about system resources and processes. This guide illustrates how to use the `atop` command to list running processes and monitor system activity....

5. The `pgrep` Command to Find Process IDs in Linux

The `pgrep` command in Linux is a useful tool for finding and listing process IDs (PIDs) based on various criteria. It simplifies the process of identifying running processes, especially when searching for multiple instances or processes associated with specific attributes....

Conclusion

In this article we discussed how to list running processes in Linux . Processes are vital for multitasking and are identified by a unique Process ID (PID). Various commands like ps, top, htop, atop, and pgrep help list and manage these processes. For instance, ps provides a snapshot of processes, while top and htop offer real-time monitoring. atop gives detailed insights, and pgrep finds processes based on criteria. These commands empower users to understand, monitor, and control processes in a Linux system, ensuring efficient multitasking and resource management....