Archey: Displaying System Information Stylishly (with examples)

Archey is a tool designed to present your system’s information in a visually appealing format. It provides a quick snapshot of vital specifications like OS version, uptime, and network information, beautifully displayed right in the terminal. Originally tailored for Mac OS X, Archey can simplify the process of acquiring and showcasing system details for tech enthusiasts, developers, or anyone looking to get a stylish summary of their machine’s specs.

Use case 1: Show system information

Code:

archey

Motivation:
This straightforward command is the core functionality of Archey. It provides a comprehensive overview of your system’s current status and essential details such as the operating system version, processor type, memory usage, and more. It is particularly useful for users who want a quick summary of their system’s specifications without navigating through various settings or utilities.

Explanation:
The basic archey command requires no additional arguments. It executes the program and fetches all relevant system information, displaying it in a colorful, easy-to-read format. This default behavior is what most users will need when they simply want to check or share their system’s status and details.

Example output:

       os     Mac OS X 10.15.7 19H2 x86_64
   kernel     19.6.0
  uptime     20 days
 packages     128 (brew) | 350 (pip)

Use case 2: Show system information without colored output

Code:

archey --nocolor

Motivation:
In certain situations, users prefer or require no color formatting—possibly due to accessibility needs, terminal compatibility issues, or personal preferences. This variant of the command ensures that information is provided in plain text format, making it accessible to more individuals and systems.

Explanation:
The --nocolor flag instructs Archey to output system information without any coloring. This feature is quite useful when transmitting data to logs, files, or systems where color codes could cause formatting issues or confusion.

Example output:

os: Mac OS X 10.15.7 19H2 x86_64
kernel: 19.6.0
uptime: 20 days
packages: 128 (brew) | 350 (pip)

Use case 3: Show system information using MacPorts instead of Homebrew

Code:

archey --macports

Motivation:
For users who utilize MacPorts instead of Homebrew for package management on macOS, it is crucial that the system information accurately reflects the package count from the right manager. This ensures that users have a precise understanding of their system’s software ecosystem.

Explanation:
The --macports option tells Archey to fetch and display the count of packages managed by MacPorts, rather than the default Homebrew. This switch aids users in environments where MacPorts is preferred or must co-exist alongside Homebrew.

Example output:

       os     Mac OS X 10.15.7 19H2 x86_64
   kernel     19.6.0
  uptime     20 days
 packages     50 (macports)

Use case 4: Show system information without IP address check

Code:

archey --offline

Motivation:
In certain secure, private, or offline environments, users might not want or need the tool to check for network information, such as the IP address. This command configuration is particularly useful when network privacy is a concern or when the system is not connected to a network.

Explanation:
The --offline flag prevents Archey from executing an IP address check as part of its information gathering process. This attribute can streamline the output when network details are unnecessary or potentially sensitive.

Example output:

       os     Mac OS X 10.15.7 19H2 x86_64
   kernel     19.6.0
  uptime     20 days
 packages     128 (brew) | 350 (pip)

Conclusion:

Archey serves as an elegant solution for visualizing and sharing system information effortlessly from a terminal. Whether you require a basic display, an uncolored format, integration with MacPorts, or a focus on offline information, Archey provides flexible options to meet diverse user needs. Each command variation caters to specific scenarios, empowering users to showcase their system environments interestingly and effectively.