Understanding the `btop` Command in Red Hat Linux

• Introduction
• Why Is btop Important?
• Installing btop on Red Hat Linux
• Key Features and Use Cases of btop
  • 1. Monitoring CPU and Memory Usage
  • 2. Managing Running Processes
  • 3. Monitoring Disk Usage
  • 4. Analyzing Network Activity
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

If you manage a Linux system, keeping track of system performance is crucial. The btop command is a modern and visually appealing tool that helps you monitor CPU, memory, disk usage, and network activity in real time. Think of it as an improved version of htop, designed to be even more intuitive and feature-rich.

Whether you’re troubleshooting slow performance, identifying resource-hungry processes, or managing a busy server, btop gives you a clear and interactive dashboard to view system activity. Let’s explore why it’s important and how it can make system monitoring easier.

Why Is btop Important?

Linux offers several tools for monitoring system performance, but many are outdated or difficult to navigate. btop stands out because it is:

• User-friendly – It has an easy-to-read interface with graphs and colors.
• Feature-rich – Monitors CPU, memory, disk usage, and network activity.
• Efficient – Uses low system resources, so it runs smoothly even on older hardware.
• Interactive – Allows you to sort and manage processes directly from the dashboard.

These features make btop an ideal tool for Linux administrators and developers who need real-time monitoring without complicated commands.

Installing btop on Red Hat Linux

To check if btop is already installed, run:

btop

If it’s not installed, install it using:

sudo yum install btop -y

After installation, type btop in the terminal and press Enter.

Key Features and Use Cases of btop

1. Monitoring CPU and Memory Usage

btop provides a graphical representation of how much CPU and memory your system is using.

• CPU load is shown in real time
• Memory and swap usage are displayed with detailed statistics

Use case: If a server is running slowly, btop helps identify whether high CPU or memory usage is the cause. You can immediately spot which process is consuming the most resources.

2. Managing Running Processes

btop allows users to sort, filter, and terminate processes directly from its interface.

• Sort processes by CPU, memory, or disk usage
• Kill a process easily by selecting it and pressing DEL
• Change process priority to optimize performance

Use case: If a background script is slowing down your web application, you can lower its priority or terminate it directly from btop, ensuring smooth server operation.

3. Monitoring Disk Usage

btop tracks disk read and write speeds, helping users monitor storage performance.

Use case: If your system is experiencing slow file access, btop can help determine whether high disk activity is causing delays.

4. Analyzing Network Activity

Network statistics are displayed in btop, allowing you to track incoming and outgoing traffic.

• View real-time network speed
• Monitor which processes use the most bandwidth

Use case: If your server is handling too much traffic, btop helps you quickly identify bandwidth-heavy processes, allowing you to optimize network usage.

Final Thoughts

The btop command is an essential tool for monitoring system performance in Red Hat Linux. Its interactive interface, clear visuals, and advanced features make it one of the best alternatives to older tools like top or htop.

By learning how to use btop, Linux users can troubleshoot performance issues, optimize resource usage, and keep their systems running efficiently.

If you’re managing a Linux server, installing btop should be one of your first steps toward better performance monitoring. Try it out and explore its powerful features.