What does the top command do in UNIX?
a) Displays the contents of a file
b) Shows system uptime
c) Displays real-time information about running processes
d) Lists all files in a directory
Answer:
c) Displays real-time information about running processes
Explanation:
The top command in UNIX displays real-time information about running processes, including CPU and memory usage, process IDs, and other key metrics. It provides a dynamic, real-time view of system resource usage, allowing administrators to monitor the system’s performance.
Using top, users can see which processes are consuming the most resources and can even terminate processes directly from the interface using process IDs. The display updates every few seconds, providing an ongoing snapshot of the system’s activity.
The top command is essential for performance monitoring and troubleshooting, helping users quickly identify resource-heavy processes and make informed decisions about system resource allocation.