How do you check the available memory in the system?

To check the available memory in a Linux system, using the free command is an effective method. When executed, this command provides a summary of the total, used, and free memory, as well as buffers and cache memory. The output is presented in a clear format that makes it easy to understand how much memory is actually available for applications and processes.

The free command gives a snapshot of memory usage at the moment it's run, making it a quick tool for assessing system resources. Typically, it will show the total amount of physical RAM, the amount currently in use, and the amount free. Additionally, it can display memory usage in megabytes or gigabytes, depending on the options provided when the command is run.

This utility is fundamental for system monitoring and performance assessments, allowing users to identify if the system is under memory pressure or if there are sufficient resources available for new processes or applications.