System Resource Monitoring: Is Ubuntu's htop Command Better Than top?
In Ubuntu, top and htop are commonly used system resource monitoring tools. The classic top tool has a monochrome interface with compact information and requires memorizing shortcuts (e.g., P/M for sorting), lacking mouse operations. Its memory units are default in Kb, which is not intuitive, making it suitable for users familiar with commands. htop, an enhanced version of top, needs prior installation on Ubuntu (`sudo apt install htop`). It features color display, tabular layout, mouse support, intuitive memory units, and process tree visualization, making it easier for newcomers to use. Comparison shows htop is more beginner-friendly: clear color visuals allow header-click sorting, while operations like F5 for process trees and F6 for sorting are simple. Top suits scenarios requiring complex monitoring for users proficient in Linux commands. In summary, htop is recommended for beginners as it enables more intuitive and efficient system monitoring.
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