Which Linux command provides real-time view of system processes and resource usage?

Which Linux command provides real-time view of system processes and resource usage?

• A. Ps
• B. Ls -l
• C. Ifconfig
• D. Top

Answer: (D)

Real-time monitoring requires a tool that continuously refreshes the display to show current processes and how system resources are being used. The top command does exactly that: it presents a live, updating view of all running processes along with CPU and memory usage, load averages, and other vital stats. It updates automatically at a set interval, and you can sort or filter the view and even manage processes on the fly. In contrast, the other commands are static or serve different purposes: one lists files, another shows network interface configuration, and a snapshot tool would only show data from a single moment in time rather than a live feed. So top is the best fit for a real-time view of system processes and resource usage.

Real-time monitoring requires a tool that continuously refreshes the display to show current processes and how system resources are being used. The top command does exactly that: it presents a live, updating view of all running processes along with CPU and memory usage, load averages, and other vital stats. It updates automatically at a set interval, and you can sort or filter the view and even manage processes on the fly. In contrast, the other commands are static or serve different purposes: one lists files, another shows network interface configuration, and a snapshot tool would only show data from a single moment in time rather than a live feed. So top is the best fit for a real-time view of system processes and resource usage.