Mastering `bspc` Commands for Efficient bspwm Management (with examples)

The bspc command is an indispensable tool for users of bspwm, the Binary Space Partitioning Window Manager. Operating as the interface for configuring and controlling bspwm, bspc allows detailed management of nodes, virtual desktops, monitors, and myriad other elements essential for fine-grained window management. This article dives into various practical use cases of bspc, providing clear code examples, motivations, detailed explanations, and anticipated outcomes for each use case.

Use case 1: Define two virtual desktops

Code:

bspc monitor --reset-desktops desktop_name1 desktop_name2

Motivation:

Creating virtual desktops enhances the user’s ability to organize open applications into categorized groups, improving workflow, clarity, and focus. By efficiently resetting a monitor’s desktops, users can streamline their workspace, naming desktops according to their task or project relevance.

Explanation:

• bspc: Invokes the bspc command interface to interact with bspwm.
• monitor: Targets the monitor level of the bspwm hierarchy, indicating the subsequent action pertains to monitor configuration.
• --reset-desktops: Resets the current desktops on the specified monitor instead of merely renaming them, clearing any existing applications or layouts.
• desktop_name1 desktop_name2: Specifies the names of the two new virtual desktops being created.

Example Output:

You would visually observe that the monitor now displays two new desktops, named as specified, showing no pre-existing windows or content.

Use case 2: Focus the given desktop

Code:

bspc desktop --focus number

Motivation:

Switching focus to another desktop quickly is essential for users who work with multiple virtual desktops. It allows for seamless transitions between different tasks and workspaces without manual navigation.

Explanation:

• bspc: Calls the bspwm control command.
• desktop: Indicates that the operation will be on a desktop.
• --focus: Changes the currently active desktop to the one specified.
• number: Is the index or identifier of the target desktop to focus on.

Example Output:

The active desktop will instantaneously switch to the specified one, bringing forward any applications or windows open there.

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

Code:

bspc node --close

Motivation:

Closing windows programmatically is useful for quickly cleaning up your workspace, especially when you need to terminate all applications in a certain node structure. This command allows users to efficiently manage their environment.

Explanation:

• bspc: Invokes the bspwm command toolset.
• node: Targets operations at the node level, addressing specific windows or containers.
• --close: Instructs the command to terminate or close the application windows in the selected node.

Example Output:

All windows or applications within the node context will be closed instantly, providing a cleaner workspace.

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

Code:

bspc node --to-desktop number

Motivation:

Reorganizing windows by moving them to different desktops caters to a streamlined workflow, especially when multitasking. It enhances spatial management of tasks by clustering related windows together.

Explanation:

• bspc: Indicates the start of the bspwm command execution.
• node: Denotes that the command will act on a window or application.
• --to-desktop: Specifies the action of moving the node to another desktop.
• number: Refers to the identification number of the desktop to which the node will be sent.

Example Output:

The selected window or node will disappear from the current desktop and appear on the target desktop, viewed upon switching.

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

Code:

bspc node --state ~fullscreen

Motivation:

Toggling full-screen mode enhances focus and immersion in applications like video players or programming IDEs by utilizing the entire display. This privides a distraction-free environment ideal for content that benefits from more space.

Explanation:

• bspc: Activates the bspwm command.
• node: Indicates modification of a window or application.
• --state: Alters the state or condition of the node.
• ~fullscreen: A toggle symbol (~) combined with fullscreen state switches the node between normal and fullscreen modes.

Example Output:

The selected window will enlarge or revert to its previous size, occupying the full screen when toggled.

Use case 6: Set the value of a specific setting

Code:

bspc config setting_name value

Motivation:

Adjusting configuration settings allows for personalization and optimization of the window manager environment, tailoring its behavior and visual appearance to suit user preferences or requirements.

Explanation:

• bspc: Begins the bspwm configuration command.
• config: Indicates that the command acts on settings or configurations.
• setting_name: Specifies which setting you want to alter.
• value: Denotes the new value to assign to this setting, modifying its behavior or appearance.

Example Output:

Changes in appearance or behavior of bspwm should reflect immediately, assuming the altered setting directly affects the visible or operational aspects of the environment (e.g., border color, gap size).

Conclusion:

bspc serves as a powerful command-line interface for configuring and managing bspwm, providing detailed control over desktop environments. Whether creating desktops, focusing windows, managing node states, or configuring settings, bspc demonstrates flexibility and control tailored to professional needs and personal preferences. Mastery of these commands can drastically enhance the user’s proficiency in managing a bspwm environment.