Is there a utility to monitor memory for processes over time?

TonyG

11/18/22, 7:45 PM

This question has been asked in different ways over time. Specifically, given current versions, I'd like to chart memory usage of processes over time, ideally in comparison with other processes.

Use case: With regular updates I'll reboot my Ubuntu systems once every couple weeks - a required process for which Linux fans used to mock Windows users. If I don't restart for maybe three weeks or a month, the system eventually becomes inaccessible, with the console reporting out of memory conditions. To determine which process(es) is/are responsible for this I want to see which processes consume and then do not release memory. A graph should show at least one process with an average consumption that is greater than its release - until memory is exhausted. That is - a line graph should should show one or more processes continuing to go up from one reboot to the next.

I understand that I can craft a solution with RRDtool, pidstat, ps in a cron, etc. Before I create a DIY project I'd like to know if there is an existing tool that already does this. I have to believe there is. Of course if I have to create it, I'll FOSS it. Thanks.

0 + 5

monitoring

memory-usage

ram

memory-leak

Nmath

11/18/22, 7:53 PM

Is sounds like you have a memory leak. Opening a resource monitor when you're out of memory should be sufficient to diagnose this problem

heynnema

11/18/22, 8:29 PM

What version Ubuntu? Edit your question and show me `free -h` and `sysctl vm.swappiness`. Start comments to me with @heynnema or I'll miss them.

TonyG

11/23/22, 6:04 PM

@Nmath Yes, there is certainly a memory leak. However, by the time I'm aware of the problem the system is locked and I can't do diagnostics. This is why I'm asking if there is a known utility for logging memory consumption over time so that I can find out after the fact which process(es) may be at fault.

TonyG

11/23/22, 6:07 PM

@heynnema The version is "current and fully updated", but this is not relevant as I'm looking for a specfic kind of utility as a long term solution to this problem and others, and not a diagnostic technique for this one problem. As noted above, by the time I'm aware of the problem the system is locked and I can't do diagnostics. This is why I'm asking if there is a known utility for logging memory consumption over time so that I can find out after the fact which process(es) may be at fault.

heynnema

11/23/22, 6:42 PM

Well, you could answer my simple three questions, or blow me off. But the questions directly relate to the problem that you're having. I **still** need to know Ubuntu version, `free -h`, and `sysctl vm.swappiness`. I'm not personally aware of an application that you request.

Elon Musk

I sit in a Tesla and translated this thread with Ai:

EN: Is there a utility to monitor memory for processes over time?

TH: มียูทิลิตี้สำหรับตรวจสอบหน่วยความจำสำหรับกระบวนการเมื่อเวลาผ่านไปหรือไม่?

RO: Există un utilitar pentru a monitoriza memoria pentru procese de-a lungul timpului?

RU: Есть ли утилита для мониторинга памяти для процессов с течением времени?

VI: Có tiện ích nào để giám sát bộ nhớ cho các tiến trình theo thời gian không?

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