How to use the command `bpytop` (with examples)

bpytop is a resource monitor that displays information about the CPU, memory, disks, network, and processes. It is a Python version of bashtop, providing a user-friendly interface to monitor system resources.

Use case 1: Start bpytop

Code:

bpytop

Motivation: By running the command bpytop, you can launch the resource monitor and instantly access real-time system information. This allows you to keep track of your system’s performance and identify any potential bottlenecks.

Explanation: The command bpytop starts the resource monitor, displaying various panels showing information about CPU usage, memory usage, disk usage, network activity, and running processes.

Example output: The bpytop window opens, and you can view real-time resource usage statistics.

Use case 2: Start in minimal mode without memory and networking boxes

Code:

bpytop -m

Motivation: Running bpytop in minimal mode can be useful when you want to focus only on specific aspects of your system’s performance, such as CPU utilization, without distractions from other panels.

Explanation: The option -m starts bpytop in minimal mode, where memory and networking boxes are excluded from the display. This allows you to have a simplified view of your system resources.

Example output: When you run bpytop -m, you will see a resource monitor window without memory and networking information, but still showing CPU usage, disk utilization, and running processes.

Use case 3: Show version

Code:

bpytop -v

Motivation: Sometimes, it is necessary to check the version of bpytop installed on your system to ensure you have the most up-to-date features and bug fixes.

Explanation: The option -v is used with bpytop to display the version information of the resource monitor.

Example output: When you run bpytop -v, the version number of bpytop is displayed, indicating which release you are currently using.

Use case 4: Toggle minimal mode

Code:

m

Motivation: While running bpytop, you may want to switch between minimal mode and the default mode without restarting the resource monitor.

Explanation: Pressing the m key while bpytop is running toggles between minimal mode and the default mode. This allows you to quickly switch views and focus on specific resources whenever needed.

Example output: When you press m, the resource monitor changes its display mode, either showing or hiding the memory and networking boxes based on the previous state.

Use case 5: Search for running programs or processes

Code:

f

Motivation: When monitoring system resources, it can be helpful to locate specific programs or processes that might be causing performance issues or taking up excessive resources.

Explanation: Pressing the f key while bpytop is running opens a search prompt where you can enter keywords to search for running programs or processes. This search functionality helps you quickly identify and analyze specific processes within the resource monitor.

Example output: When you press f, a search prompt appears. You can enter keywords related to the processes you want to search for, and bpytop will filter and display the matching results.

Use case 6: Change settings

Code:

M

Motivation: By modifying the settings of bpytop, you can customize the behavior and appearance of the resource monitor to suit your preferences and monitoring requirements.

Explanation: Pressing the M key while bpytop is running opens the settings menu, which allows you to access various options for configuring the resource monitor. Within the settings menu, you can modify aspects such as update intervals, color schemes, keyboard shortcuts, and more.

Example output: When you press M, the settings menu of bpytop appears, providing a range of settings and customization options that you can modify to customize your resource monitoring experience.

Conclusion:

bpytop is a versatile resource monitor that offers valuable insights into system performance. By understanding and utilizing the various use cases illustrated above, you can effectively observe and manage system resources contributing to an optimized computing experience.