ctop: A Top-like Interface for Real-time Container Metrics

Introduction

ctop is an open-source command-line tool that provides a "top-like" interface for monitoring container metrics. Developed by bcicen and written in Go, it offers a real-time, concise, and condensed overview of performance data for multiple containers. Whether you're managing Docker, runC, or other container systems, ctop delivers immediate insights into your containerized applications.

Installation

ctop can be installed on various platforms. Here are some common methods:

Debian/Ubuntu

sudo apt-get install ca-certificates curl gnupg lsb-release
curl -fsSL https://azlux.fr/repo.gpg.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/azlux-archive-keyring.gpg
echo \
  "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/azlux-archive-keyring.gpg] http://packages.azlux.fr/debian \
  $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/azlux.list >/dev/null
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install docker-ctop

Arch

sudo pacman -S ctop

Linux (Generic)

sudo wget https://github.com/bcicen/ctop/releases/download/v0.7.7/ctop-0.7.7-linux-amd64 -O /usr/local/bin/ctop
sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/ctop

OS X

brew install ctop

Windows

scoop install ctop

Docker

docker run --rm -ti \
  --name=ctop \
  --volume /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock:ro \
  quay.io/vektorlab/ctop:latest

Examples

Once installed, simply run ctop in your terminal:

ctop

This will display a real-time grid view of your running containers, showing metrics like CPU usage, memory, network I/O, and more.

You can interact with ctop using various keybindings:

• f: Filter displayed containers
• s: Select container sort field
• o: Open single container view for detailed metrics
• q: Quit ctop

For a full list of options and keybindings, refer to the official documentation.

Why use ctop?

ctop stands out as an indispensable tool for anyone working with containers due to several key advantages:

• Real-time Monitoring: Get immediate insights into your container's performance.
• Familiar Interface: Its top-like design makes it intuitive for users accustomed to command-line monitoring tools.
• Comprehensive Overview: Easily monitor multiple containers at a glance with a concise grid view.
• Detailed Analysis: Dive deeper into individual container metrics with the single container view.
• Broad Compatibility: Built-in support for Docker and runC ensures wide applicability.
• Lightweight and Efficient: Written in Go, ctop is designed for performance and minimal resource consumption.

Links

• GitHub Repository: https://github.com/bcicen/ctop