# cpulimit

> CLI program, limits a process's CPU usage to the extent that it can

**Wikidata**: [Q127418892](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127418892)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cpulimit

## Summary
cpulimit is a command-line tool that restricts a process's CPU usage, allowing users to limit how much processing power a specific program can consume. It is particularly useful for managing system resources and preventing a single application from overwhelming system performance.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Software
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0
- **Versions**: 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1
- **Operating System**: Linux (as indicated by the dependency on GNU C Library)
- **Command-line options**: Supports `-p` and `--pid` for specifying the process ID
- **Copyright status**: Copyrighted
- **Gentoo package name**: `app-admin/cpulimit`
- **Debian stable package name**: `cpulimit`
- **Repology project name**: `limitcpu`

## FAQs
### Q: What is cpulimit used for?
A: cpulimit is used to limit the CPU usage of a specific process, ensuring that it does not consume excessive system resources.

### Q: Which operating systems does cpulimit support?
A: cpulimit is designed for Linux systems, as it relies on the GNU C Library (libc6) for functionality.

### Q: How do I specify the process ID to limit?
A: You can use the `-p` or `--pid` command-line options to specify the process ID of the target application.

### Q: Is cpulimit open-source?
A: Yes, cpulimit is open-source software licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

### Q: What versions of cpulimit are available?
A: cpulimit has been released in multiple versions, including 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, and 3.1.

## Why It Matters
cpulimit is a valuable tool for system administrators and developers who need precise control over CPU resource allocation. By limiting CPU usage, it helps prevent resource contention, improves system stability, and ensures fair resource distribution among multiple processes. This is particularly useful in environments where multiple applications run concurrently, such as servers or workstations. The tool's ability to enforce CPU limits programmatically makes it an essential utility for maintaining system performance and reliability.

## Notable For
- **Precise CPU control**: Allows fine-grained adjustment of CPU usage for specific processes.
- **Open-source licensing**: Released under the GNU GPL, making it freely available and modifiable.
- **Cross-platform compatibility**: Works seamlessly with Linux systems due to its dependency on the GNU C Library.
- **Command-line efficiency**: Provides straightforward command-line options for easy integration into scripts and automation workflows.
- **Versioned releases**: Multiple versions have been released, indicating ongoing development and community support.

## Body
### Overview
cpulimit is a command-line utility designed to limit the CPU usage of a specified process. It is particularly useful in scenarios where a particular application may consume excessive CPU resources, potentially impacting system performance or other running processes.

### Technical Details
- **License**: The software is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, ensuring it remains open-source and freely modifiable.
- **Operating System**: cpulimit is compatible with Linux systems, as evidenced by its dependency on the GNU C Library (libc6).
- **Command-line Options**: The tool supports options such as `-p` and `--pid` to specify the process ID of the target application, allowing users to precisely control CPU allocation.

### Versions and Releases
cpulimit has been released in multiple versions, including 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, and 3.1. These versions reflect ongoing development and community contributions, ensuring the tool remains relevant and functional.

### Package Availability
- **Gentoo**: Available as `app-admin/cpulimit` in the Gentoo package repository.
- **Debian**: Included in Debian stable as `cpulimit`.
- **Repology**: Tracked under the project name `limitcpu` for version history and distribution support.

### Significance
cpulimit plays a crucial role in system administration by providing a simple yet effective way to manage CPU resources. Its ability to enforce limits programmatically makes it an indispensable tool for developers and system administrators looking to optimize performance and ensure fair resource allocation.

## References

1. [Source](https://packages.gentoo.org/packages/app-admin/cpulimit)
2. [Source](https://inv4.youtubenuker.lol/search?q=%22cpulimit%22)
3. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20250514233141/https://repology.org/project/cpulimit/history)
4. [Source](https://repology.org/project/cpulimit/history)
5. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20250514233533/https://packages.debian.org/stable/cpulimit)
6. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20250514233741/https://repology.org/project/limitcpu/information)
7. [Source](https://repology.org/project/limitcpu/information)
8. [Source](https://repology.org/project/limitcpu/versions)
9. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20250514233639/https://repology.org/project/limitcpu/versions)
10. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/stable/cpulimit)
11. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20250514172829/https://manpages.org/cpulimit)
12. [Source](https://manpages.org/cpulimit)
13. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20250514234740/https://packages.gentoo.org/packages/app-admin/cpulimit)
14. [Source](https://repology.org/tools/project-by?repo=gentoo&name_type=srcname&target_page=project_versions&name=app-admin/cpulimit)