How to Manage BetterDiscord on Linux using betterdiscordctl (with examples)

BetterDiscord is a popular extension for Discord that allows users to customize their Discord client with themes, plugins, and various tweaks not available in the default client. The betterdiscordctl command is a tool used to manage the installation and maintenance of BetterDiscord on Linux platforms. It provides a streamlined method to install BetterDiscord on different versions of Discord, such as Stable, Canary, and PTB, as well as packages installed via Flatpak or Snap, ensuring compatibility with these variations.

Use case 1: Install BetterDiscord on Discord Stable

Code:

sudo betterdiscordctl install

Motivation:

Users running Discord on Linux often prefer the Stable version for a consistent and reliable user experience. Installing BetterDiscord on this version allows users to access custom themes and plugins while maintaining stability in their Discord client. This use case is particularly useful for those who want to enhance their Discord experience without switching to less stable versions, such as Canary or PTB, which might have more frequent updates or experimental features.

Explanation:

• sudo: This command requires superuser permissions because it will modify system files related to the Discord application. sudo is used to gain the necessary privileges.
• betterdiscordctl: This is the command tool used to manage BetterDiscord installations on Linux.
• install: This argument tells betterdiscordctl that the action to be performed is the installation of BetterDiscord.

Example Output:

Detecting Discord version...
Found Discord Stable
Installing BetterDiscord for Discord Stable...
[INFO] Successfully installed BetterDiscord on Discord Stable version x.y.z

Use case 2: Install BetterDiscord on Discord Canary

Code:

sudo betterdiscordctl --d-flavors canary install

Motivation:

Discord Canary is the bleeding-edge version of Discord, which offers the latest features and improvements before they are rolled out into the more stable versions. Tech enthusiasts and developers who enjoy testing new features might choose this version. Installing BetterDiscord on Canary enables users to experience advanced customization alongside the latest features being developed by Discord.

Explanation:

• sudo: Root permissions are needed to modify system-level installations.
• betterdiscordctl: The command in focus for managing BetterDiscord.
• --d-flavors canary: The --d-flavors option specifies which version of Discord to target for the BetterDiscord installation. Here, it is targeted at the Canary version.
• install: Command to initiate the installation process of BetterDiscord.

Example Output:

Detecting Discord version...
Found Discord Canary
Installing BetterDiscord for Discord Canary...
[INFO] Successfully installed BetterDiscord on Discord Canary version x.y.z

Use case 3: Install BetterDiscord on Discord PTB

Code:

sudo betterdiscordctl --d-flavors ptb install

Motivation:

Discord PTB (Public Test Build) is another version that allows users to test features that are still in the experimental stage. By installing BetterDiscord on PTB, users can not only enjoy early access to new features but also benefit from the customization options provided by BetterDiscord. This use case is ideal for users who like to experiment and provide feedback on newer Discord functionalities before they are released in the stable version.

Explanation:

• sudo: Provides the administrative privileges required.
• betterdiscordctl: The command-line utility for managing BetterDiscord.
• --d-flavors ptb: Specifies that the installation should be targeted at the PTB version of Discord.
• install: Initiates the installation of BetterDiscord.

Example Output:

Detecting Discord version...
Found Discord PTB
Installing BetterDiscord for Discord PTB...
[INFO] Successfully installed BetterDiscord on Discord PTB version x.y.z

Use case 4: Install BetterDiscord on Discord installed with Flatpak

Code:

sudo betterdiscordctl --d-install flatpak install

Motivation:

Flatpak is a popular system for distributing applications across different Linux distributions, providing a sandboxed environment that enhances security and reliability. Users who prefer the sandboxed nature of Flatpak installations need a way to install BetterDiscord in this context. This ensures that users can enjoy the flexibility of customization alongside the advantages of Flatpak applications.

Explanation:

• sudo: Necessary to have the appropriate permissions.
• betterdiscordctl: The management tool for BetterDiscord installations.
• --d-install flatpak: This specifies that the Discord installation method is Flatpak, guiding betterdiscordctl to hook into the correct installation path.
• install: The command to commence the installation of BetterDiscord.

Example Output:

Detecting Discord version...
Found Discord installed via Flatpak
Installing BetterDiscord for Discord Flatpak...
[INFO] Successfully installed BetterDiscord on Discord Flatpak version x.y.z

Use case 5: Install BetterDiscord on Discord installed with Snap

Code:

sudo betterdiscordctl --d-install snap install

Motivation:

Snap is another prevalent packaging system used on Linux, designed for software deployment and package management. It allows granular updates, confinements, and rollback features. Users who have opted for Snap installations of Discord due to these benefits can also want customizations offered by BetterDiscord. This use case allows users to seamlessly enjoy both Snap’s convenience and BetterDiscord’s enhancements.

Explanation:

• sudo: Requires root access to manipulate program files.
• betterdiscordctl: The command used to manage BetterDiscord setups.
• --d-install snap: Indicates that the Discord installation is managed through Snap packages.
• install: Executes the installation process for BetterDiscord.

Example Output:

Detecting Discord version...
Found Discord installed via Snap
Installing BetterDiscord for Discord Snap...
[INFO] Successfully installed BetterDiscord on Discord Snap version x.y.z

Conclusion:

The betterdiscordctl command is a versatile tool optimized to manage BetterDiscord installations across various Discord versions and installs methods on Linux. Whether users are running Stable, Canary, PTB, or have installed Discord using Flatpak or Snap, betterdiscordctl provides a straightforward approach to enhance your Discord client with BetterDiscord’s customization capabilities. The uniform use of advanced command options allows for seamless integration and ensures users can navigate different system setups while enjoying unique features and themes.