What is the primary purpose of the top command in Linux?

The primary purpose of the top command in Linux is to display real-time resource usage. This command provides a dynamic, real-time overview of the system's performance, including information about processes that are currently running, their CPU and memory usage, and the overall system load. This is invaluable for system administrators and users who need to monitor system performance, identify resource-hungry processes, and make informed decisions based on live data.

By using the top command, users can see which processes are consuming the most CPU or memory and can interact with the processes to terminate them if necessary. This command helps maintain the efficiency and stability of the system by allowing users to take immediate action on processes that are consuming excessive resources.