When it comes to monitoring system performance, most Linux users are familiar with the classic top or the improved htop. But if you are looking for a tool that combines raw data with high-end “eye-candy” aesthetics, Bashtop is the undisputed champion.
Written entirely in Bash, this terminal-based resource monitor (TUI) transformed the way we look at CPU, Memory, and Network stats, proving that the command line doesn’t have to be boring.
What Makes Bashtop Unique?
Bashtop isn’t just about functionality; it’s about the experience. Inspired by gaming interfaces, it provides a vivid, dashboard-like view of your system’s vitals.
- Real-time Graphs: Visual representation of CPU usage per core, memory consumption, and disk activity.
- Full Process Management: An interactive menu to filter, signal (SIGTERM, SIGKILL), and monitor individual processes.
- Network Monitoring: Track download and upload speeds with detailed graphs.
- Responsive Design: The UI automatically scales as you resize your terminal window.
- Theming: Support for various color schemes to match your specific terminal setup (from Dracula to Gruvbox).
Why Use Bashtop in 2026?
You might wonder why a Bash-based monitor is still relevant when the developer eventually moved on to create btop++ (the C++ version).
The answer is Simplicity and Portability. Because Bashtop is a shell script, it has minimal dependencies. It remains a “gold standard” for enthusiasts who want to see what is possible using only Bash. It’s a perfect tool for those running classic environments or anyone who prefers a scriptable, transparent tool over a compiled binary.
Installation Guide
Bashtop is available in most official repositories. Since it is a Bash script, you can also install it manually on almost any Unix-like system.
| Distribution | Installation Command |
| Ubuntu / Debian | sudo apt install bashtop |
| Fedora | sudo dnf install bashtop |
| Arch Linux | sudo pacman -S bashtop |
| macOS (Homebrew) | brew install bashtop |
Manual Installation: If your distribution doesn’t have it in the repo, you can install it directly from the source:
git clone https://github.com/aristocratos/bashtop.git cd bashtop sudo make install
Basic Controls and Shortcuts
Once you launch it by typing bashtop in your terminal, use these keys to navigate:
- m: Open the main menu.
- UP / DOWN: Navigate the process list.
- f: Filter processes by name.
- k: Kill the selected process.
- q / ESC: Exit the application.
Final Verdict
Bashtop is a testament to the creativity of the Linux community. It took a mundane task—checking RAM usage—and turned it into something visually stunning. Whether you are troubleshooting a server or just showing off your desktop setup, Bashtop remains a must-have tool in any Linux user’s arsenal.
