how to get cpu load in linux

In the modern computing world, the CPU is the most critical component of a computer system. It is responsible for running all the programs and processes that make the system work. As a system administrator or a developer, you might need to monitor CPU usage to keep an eye on system performance or optimize software behavior. Luckily, Linux provides several ways to track CPU load to help you achieve this purpose.

Command Line Interface (CLI) tools

Linux provides several command-line tools to show CPU usage. The most popular tool is `top`, which is a terminal-based process monitor. When you run the `top` command, it shows you a real-time view of the system, including CPU usage, memory usage, and process details. The `top` command is highly customizable, and you can configure it to show or hide various system metrics.Another useful CLI tool is `htop`. It is an improved version of the `top` command and provides a more user-friendly and colorful interface. Htop sorts processes by various metrics, making it easy to identify the most resource-hungry processes. Additionally, `htop` also provides various system metrics, such as load average and system uptime.

Graphical user interface (GUI) tools

If you prefer GUI tools, you're in luck because Linux has got you covered. Most Linux desktop environments have built-in system monitors that show CPU load and other system metrics. For instance, GNOME, a popular Linux desktop environment, comes with a built-in System Monitor application. When you launch the System Monitor, it shows you a real-time view of your system's CPU usage and other system components such as memory, network, and storage.Other popular GUI tools for monitoring CPU usage include `GKrellM`, `Xfce Task Manager`, and `Conky`. They all provide detailed information about system metrics, including CPU usage, memory usage, and network activity. Additionally, these tools also provide the ability to customize and configure various system metrics.

Third-party applications

Apart from built-in system monitors, various third-party applications can help you monitor CPU load in Linux. For instance, Nagios is an open-source system monitoring tool that can monitor CPU load, memory usage, and other system metrics. Nagios is highly customizable, and you can configure it to send you email or SMS notifications if certain system metrics exceed predefined thresholds.Another popular third-party application is Munin. Munin is a network-centric monitoring tool that helps you monitor several systems from one location. Munin gathers data from various system components, including CPU load, network activity, and storage usage. It presents this information in interactive graphs that help you identify trends and understand system behavior.

Conclusion

Monitoring CPU usage is essential for maintaining optimal system performance and detecting anomalies in system behavior. Linux provides several tools to help you monitor CPU load, memory usage, and other system metrics. Whether you prefer CLI tools or GUI interfaces, Linux has got you covered. Additionally, third-party tools such as Nagios and Munin provide powerful system monitoring capabilities that are highly customizable and scalable. By understanding how to monitor CPU load in Linux, you can keep your systems running smoothly, detect system issues promptly, and optimize system behavior.