psutil VS RunCat

• Cross-Platform Compatibility
  Psutil is designed to work across different operating systems including Linux, Windows, and macOS, providing a unified API for system monitoring.
• Comprehensive Functionality
  It offers a wide range of features for monitoring system performance metrics such as CPU usage, memory, disks, network, and system sensors.
• Active Maintenance and Support
  Psutil is actively maintained with regular updates and bug fixes, ensuring that it remains reliable and up-to-date with new system metrics and features.
• Well-Documented
  The library comes with extensive documentation and examples, making it easier for developers to integrate and utilize its functionalities.
• Pythonic API
  Psutil provides a clear and Pythonic interface, allowing Python developers to easily integrate system monitoring capabilities into their applications.

Possible disadvantages

• Resource Intensive
  While providing extensive monitoring capabilities, psutil can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting system performance when monitoring frequently or on resource-constrained systems.
• Platform-Specific Limitations
  Some functionality may not be available on all platforms, requiring platform-specific considerations or workarounds in application development.
• Requires Administrative Privileges
  Certain metrics and functionalities may require administrative privileges, potentially limiting usage in restricted environments or without proper permissions.
• Version Compatibility
  There may be compatibility issues between different versions of psutil and Python, requiring careful management of dependencies in larger projects.

• Visual Performance Indicator
  RunCat provides a unique visual cue for system performance by animating the speed of a running cat icon in the menu bar based on CPU usage, making it easy to notice at a glance.
• Minimalistic Design
  The software integrates seamlessly into the macOS menu bar with a simple and clean design, ensuring it does not clutter the user interface or require much screen real estate.
• Low System Resource Usage
  RunCat itself uses very little system resources, ensuring that it doesn't add to the load on your CPU while monitoring it.
• Customizability
  Users can customize the appearance and speed of the running cat icon, allowing for a personalized touch to the monitoring tool.

Possible disadvantages

• Limited Functionality
  While it provides a fun and unique way to monitor CPU usage, RunCat doesn't offer detailed performance statistics or advanced monitoring features found in more comprehensive system tools.
• Distracting for Some Users
  The continuously moving cat icon might be distracting to some users who are more comfortable with static indicators or prefer a less animated interface.
• Single-Platform Availability
  RunCat is designed specifically for macOS, limiting its availability to users of other operating systems like Windows or Linux.
• Requires Manual Updates
  Users need to manually check for and update the software to access new features or improvements, which can be inconvenient compared to apps with automatic update functionality.

• Profiling Python code with memory_profiler

  It uses the psutil library (or can use tracemalloc or posix) to access process information in a cross platform way, so it works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. - Source: dev.to / over 5 years ago

Tracking RunCat since Jun 2021.