top: order pids by memory instead of CPU usage

dourk · 01-14-2009, 05:48 AM

Hello

The title says it all: Command top displays the pids (tasks) by order of CPU usage. Could I make it order them by memory usage?

Thank you

eco · 01-14-2009, 05:53 AM

I think it depends on the distro you are using.

type

Code:

$ top

then in top, type '?'
This will tell you how to do it.

It depends on distributions.

Debian uses '<' and '>'
Redhat uses 'o' and 'O'
...

syg00 · 01-14-2009, 05:55 AM

You can sort by any of the fields - see the manpage, or enter a "?" while in top itself.

abel.bolanos · 02-22-2010, 10:40 AM

Call top
then inside make Shift+F
now is list by %CPU
then press 'n' for order by memory

loginagain · 10-17-2013, 07:49 AM

These work in interactive mode. How about batch mode under redhat?

druuna · 10-17-2013, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loginagain

These work in interactive mode. How about batch mode under redhat?

You cannot use ordering options from the command line, but you can use a workaround to accomplish this.

- Start top (normal mode),
- set order (To order by memory: O n <enter>),
- write config file (W),
- quit top

A .toprc file is now present in your home directory, which will be read when using batch mode.

Possible downside: This .toprc file is always read when using top.....

loginagain · 10-17-2013, 08:11 AM

Thanks druuna. Indeed having the configuration set as default is not desirable. The workaround would need to have a few extra steps, for example renaming the .toprc file to disable/enable it. A bit heavy but it should work

druuna · 10-17-2013, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loginagain

Thanks druuna. Indeed having the configuration set as default is not desirable. The workaround would need to have a few extra steps, for example renaming the .toprc file to disable/enable it. A bit heavy but it should work

You could create a function to automate this (add to ~/.bashrc or appropriate file):

Code:

function topm () {
  cp /home/<user>/.toprc.mem /home/<usr>/.toprc
  top $@
  rm /home/<user>/.toprc
}

The above assumes the presence of .toprc.mem (config file that orders by memory usage).

You can now run topm or topm -b -d2, using top will still behave as if there where no config file.

loginagain · 10-17-2013, 10:23 AM

Muchas gracias