How to use the command bspc (with examples)

The bspc command is a tool used to control bspwm, a tiling window manager for X11. It provides various functionalities to manage virtual desktops, windows, and monitors. This article will illustrate each of the following use cases of the bspc command.

Use case 1: Define two virtual desktops

Code:

bspc monitor --reset-desktops 1 2

Motivation:

You may want to define and assign virtual desktops to individual monitors. This use case enables you to create two virtual desktops and assign them to the specified monitor.

Explanation:

• bspc is the command-line tool used to control bspwm.
• monitor is the command to manipulate monitors.
• --reset-desktops is an option used to remove all existing desktops on the specified monitor and create new ones.
• 1 2 are the arguments that represent the names or numbers of the virtual desktops to be created.

Example output:

Virtual desktops 1 and 2 created on the specified monitor.

Use case 2: Focus the given desktop

Code:

bspc desktop --focus number

Motivation:

When working with multiple virtual desktops, it is helpful to be able to switch focus between them easily. This use case allows you to focus on the specified desktop, making it the active one.

Explanation:

• bspc is the command-line tool used to control bspwm.
• desktop is the command to manipulate virtual desktops.
• --focus is an option used to set the focus to a particular desktop.
• number is the argument that represents the name or number of the desktop to be focused.

Example output:

The specified desktop is now focused and active.

Use case 3: Close the windows rooted at the selected node

Code:

bspc node --close

Motivation:

There may be situations where you want to close all windows within a particular node. This use case enables you to close all windows rooted at the selected node.

Explanation:

• bspc is the command-line tool used to control bspwm.
• node is the command to manipulate the nodes (windows).
• --close is an option used to close the windows rooted at the selected node.

Example output:

All windows rooted at the selected node have been closed.

Use case 4: Send the selected node to the given desktop

Code:

bspc node --to-desktop number

Motivation:

Being able to move windows between virtual desktops can help you better organize your workspace. This use case allows you to send the selected node (window) to the specified virtual desktop.

Explanation:

• bspc is the command-line tool used to control bspwm.
• node is the command to manipulate the nodes (windows).
• --to-desktop is an option used to send the selected node to a particular virtual desktop.
• number is the argument that represents the name or number of the desktop to which the node should be sent.

Example output:

The selected node has been moved to the specified virtual desktop.

Use case 5: Toggle full screen mode for the selected node

Code:

bspc node --state ~fullscreen

Motivation:

Switching windows to full screen mode can provide a distraction-free working environment. This use case allows you to toggle the full screen mode for the selected node.

Explanation:

• bspc is the command-line tool used to control bspwm.
• node is the command to manipulate the nodes (windows).
• --state is an option used to modify the state of a node.
• ~fullscreen is the argument that represents the desired state of the node. Using a tilde (~) before the state means to toggle it.

Example output:

The selected node is now in full screen mode.

Conclusion:

The bspc command provides a range of functionalities to control bspwm and manage virtual desktops and windows. By using the various options and arguments, you can customize your workspace and improve your productivity.