# top
> Classic Unix utility showing top CPU-using processes in real-time

## Summary
Classic real-time process monitoring utility showing CPU and memory usage

## Capabilities
- Display real-time CPU usage by process
- Show memory usage and system load
- Sort processes by various criteria
- Send signals to processes interactively

## When to Use
- You need a quick overview of running processes and system load
- You want to identify resource-hungry processes

## When NOT to Use
- You want a more modern and feature-rich monitor (use btop or htop)

## Related Tools
- [bpytop](/tools/bpytop) (complementary)
- [glances](/tools/glances) (complementary)

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Source: https://littlescripts.sh/tools/top
