Exploring kmon: a Linux kernel module monitor
Managing kernel modules is a crucial skill for Linux administrators. But interacting with modules via CLI can feel tedious. Enter kmon, a terminal-based user interface (TUI) that makes managing kernel modules simple and efficient.
This guide introduces kmon, explains its features, and demonstrates how to use it to monitor and manage kernel modules seamlessly.
What is kmon?
kmon is a TUI application written in Rust. It simplifies monitoring and managing Linux kernel modules directly from your terminal. Whether you want to load, unload, or view detailed module information, kmon provides a user-friendly interface to streamline these tasks.
Key features include:
- Listing all active kernel modules.
- Viewing detailed module information, such as dependencies and size.
- Loading, unloading, and reloading modules.
- Searching modules for faster access.
Why Use kmon?
Kernel modules extend Linux kernel functionality. Managing them efficiently ensures system performance and stability. While tools like modprobe and lsmod work fine, kmon offers:
- Ease of Use: Its interactive UI eliminates the need for remembering CLI commands.
- Better Visualization: Quickly see module dependencies and stats.
- Time Savings: Search and manage modules faster than using manual commands.
Installing kmon
Before using kmon, ensure your system has Rust installed. If not, install Rust via:
curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://sh.rustup.rs | sh
Then, install kmon using cargo:
cargo install kmon
Once installed, launch it by typing:
kmon
Navigating kmon
When you run kmon, you’ll see a terminal interface listing all active kernel modules. Here's how to interact with it:
- Navigation: Use arrow keys or
j/kto scroll through modules. - Module Details: Select a module to view size, dependencies, and more.
- Actions: Press the following keys for specific tasks:
L: Load a module.U: Unload a module.R: Reload a module.
- Search: Press
/to search for a module by name.
Real-World Use Cases
- Diagnosing Module Issues
If a device isn’t working, kmon helps check whether the necessary kernel module is loaded. Use / to search for the module and load it instantly.
- Managing Dependencies
Some kernel modules depend on others. kmon makes it easy to view dependencies and load them in the correct order.
- Testing Custom Modules
Developing a custom kernel module? Use kmon to load, test, and reload your module during the development process.
Streamline Kernel Monitoring with Akmatori
Managing kernel modules is one aspect of keeping systems reliable. To automate incident response, minimize downtime, and prevent alert fatigue, try Akmatori. Akmatori handles alerts seamlessly, ensuring your systems run smoothly.
Boost your DevOps and SRE workflows today with Akmatori.
Why Gcore Complements Your kmon Workflow
Need powerful servers for testing kernel modules? Gcore offers reliable, affordable virtual machines and bare metal servers across the globe. Whether you're testing kernel tweaks or running production workloads, Gcore ensures top-notch performance and scalability.
Conclusion
kmon is a powerful tool for Linux kernel module management. It combines functionality with usability, making kernel monitoring accessible even for those new to Linux.
Try it today and simplify your workflow. And don’t forget to check out Akmatori and Gcore for even better system management and performance!
Thanks for reading. Let us know how you’re using kmon in your Linux setup.