How to Use the Command 'btm' (with examples)

The ‘btm’ command, short for “bottom,” is an advanced system monitoring tool that serves as an alternative to the classic ’top’ command. ‘btm’ is designed to be lightweight, cross-platform, and more visually appealing, offering a graphical interface to monitor system metrics such as CPU usage, memory status, disk and network activity, and much more. This tool is a particularly useful utility for those who require detailed system insights presented in a user-friendly way. With built-in customization options, users can tailor the display to fit their specific monitoring needs.

Use Case 1: Show the Default Layout (CPU, Memory, Temperatures, Disk, Network, and Processes)

Code:

btm

Motivation:

The default layout in ‘btm’ is a comprehensive view that provides a snapshot of various critical system metrics including CPU usage, memory consumption, temperatures, and I/O statistics. It is particularly valuable for users who are familiar with ’top’ but looking for a more aesthetically pleasing presentation. This default view is ideal for routine system monitoring and gives a well-rounded overview of system performance and health.

Explanation:

Running ‘btm’ without any additional arguments will display the standard layout of all essential metrics including CPU, disk, and memory usage, as well as network statistics and process information. The goal is to offer a visual summary that helps users keep an eye on system performance at a glance.

Example Output:

[CPU Usage] [Memory Usage]
[elementary graphical charts]
[Disk Usage] [Network Activity]
[Process Table with PID, User, Command, etc.]

Use Case 2: Enable Basic Mode, Removing Charts and Condensing Data

Code:

btm --basic

Motivation:

In situations where you seek a more simplistic and text-heavy representation of system metrics akin to what ’top’ provides, the basic mode is invaluable. This mode eliminates the graphical elements such as charts, providing a compact and data-focused view instead. This can be particularly useful in environments where you need to conserve screen space or focus on raw data.

Explanation:

The --basic flag toggles the display into a textual data mode. This removes visual clutter from charts and simplifies the view into essential metric data which is all text based. This approach often appeals to command-line purists who prefer raw data or those accessing systems through low-bandwidth connections.

Example Output:

| CPU | Mem | Disk | Net
[Utilization metrics in text format]
[Processes list similar to 'top']

Use Case 3: Use Big Dots Instead of Small Ones in Charts

Code:

btm --dot_marker

Motivation:

When viewing charts, especially on high-resolution displays or from a distance, the size of the graphical indicators can become an issue. The --dot_marker option is used to switch to bigger dot markers within the graphs, making them easier to see without squinting or struggling to interpret fine details. This option benefits users who work in data visualization or have visual impairments.

Explanation:

The --dot_marker argument modifies the default chart representation by enlarging the size of the dots used in line charts. This simple but effective tweak can greatly enhance the accessibility of the data being presented.

Example Output:

[Graphical CPU chart with large dot markers]
[Graphical network chart with distinguishable big dots]

Use Case 4: Show Also Battery Charge and Health Status

Code:

btm --battery

Motivation:

Monitoring battery health and charge status is crucial for users operating on laptops or mobile devices. This feature extends ‘btm’ functionalities beyond typical desktop metrics. By keeping an eye on battery status alongside other system metrics, users can ensure efficient power management and quick actions in the event of diminishing battery health.

Explanation:

Passing the --battery flag appends battery charge and health information to the output. This feature is useful for users who are interested in detailed hardware status monitoring and wish to keep track of their device’s power usage and battery longevity.

Example Output:

[Battery Charge: 85%] [Health: Good]
[Entire metric layout with appended battery details]

Use Case 5: Refresh Every 250 Milliseconds and Show the Last 30 Seconds in the Charts

Code:

btm --rate 250 --default_time_value 30000

Motivation:

For those who require near-real-time data updates, adjusting the refresh rate, and the time window of the graphs becomes essential. This configuration is ideal for performance tuning or troubleshooting scenarios where minute-to-minute changes in metrics could signal critical issues.

Explanation:

The --rate 250 flag sets the screen refresh interval to 250 milliseconds, enabling nearly instantaneous updates. The --default_time_value 30000 adjusts the charts to show the last 30 seconds of activity, providing a more detailed short-term historical view of metrics that may exhibit volatile changes.

Example Output:

[Rapid updating CPU and memory usage charts]
[Network activity displaying short-term trends]

Conclusion

The ‘btm’ command serves as a powerful and flexible tool for system monitoring, offering various customization options that cater to both novice users and system administrators. By understanding and utilizing its different modes and settings, users can adapt the tool to fit specific needs, enhancing both the accuracy and readability of important system metrics.