bottom is a customizable cross-platform graphical process and system monitor for the terminal.
The tool addresses the need for a visually informative alternative to traditional command-line monitoring utilities. It displays system metrics including CPU usage at both aggregate and per-core levels, RAM and swap consumption, network I/O, temperature readings, and disk I/O activity, all rendered as graphs over time with zoom capabilities. The approach combines real-time data collection with terminal-based graphical visualization, drawing inspiration from existing monitors in the category.
Developers should choose this tool if they want a modern, visually rich monitoring experience that works consistently across Linux, macOS, and Windows without leaving the terminal. It suits users who prefer graphical widgets over text-based output and value customization options. The project is particularly useful for those already familiar with terminal user interfaces and seeking an alternative to traditional top-like utilities.
The project shows consistent maintenance with regular updates addressing user-reported issues and feature requests. Development includes active refinement of the terminal user interface and expansion of monitoring capabilities. The maintainer provides comprehensive documentation covering stable and development versions, and the tool is packaged across numerous Linux distributions, macOS package managers, and Windows installation methods, indicating sustained effort to keep the project accessible.
