cpulimit

cpulimit is a command line tool used in Linux systems to limit the CPU usage of a process. It allows users to control the amount of CPU resources used by a specific program or process.

With cpulimit, users can set a specific limit, expressed as a percentage, for the maximum CPU usage of a process. This can be useful in situations where certain processes are consuming excessive CPU resources, resulting in system slowdown or unresponsiveness.

The main advantage of cpulimit is that it limits the CPU usage of a process while still allowing it to run, unlike other methods such as terminating the process altogether. This can be especially helpful for resource-intensive programs that need to run but need to be controlled to prevent system overload.

The tool works by periodically pausing and resuming the execution of a process, thus keeping the CPU usage within the defined limits. It does this by sending SIGSTOP and SIGCONT signals to the process, effectively pausing and resuming it at regular intervals.

Cpulimit can be used with both single-threaded and multi-threaded processes, making it a versatile tool for managing CPU usage. It can be particularly useful for tasks such as running background tasks while ensuring the foreground process is not affected.

Cpulimit primarily operates based on the CPU usage of a process and not based on the priority of the process. It does not impact the scheduling priority of a process and is focused solely on controlling CPU consumption.

The tool can be installed through the package management system of most Linux distributions, making it easily accessible and straightforward to use. It can be executed from the command line or incorporated into scripts for automated control of CPU usage.

While cpulimit provides effective control over CPU usage, it's important to note that it does not solve underlying performance or resource management issues. It is more of a temporary solution to manage specific processes rather than a long-term performance optimization tool.

Overall, cpulimit is a reliable and convenient command line tool for limiting CPU usage, allowing users to maintain control over resource-intensive processes and ensure smooth system operation.