How to use the command caja (with examples)

Caja is a command that manages files and directories in the MATE desktop environment. It offers various functionalities for working with files and directories, such as opening specific directories, managing windows, and quitting the application.

Use case 1: Open the current user home directory

Code:

caja

Motivation:

Sometimes, you need to quickly access your home directory to browse or manage your files. Opening the current user home directory using the caja command provides a convenient way to do that.

Explanation:

Running the command caja without any arguments opens the current user home directory. It launches the caja file manager, displaying the contents of the home directory.

Example output:

The caja file manager opens, displaying the files and directories present in the current user home directory.

Use case 2: Open specific directories in separate windows

Code:

caja path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...

Motivation:

When working with multiple directories simultaneously, it can be helpful to open them in separate windows. This allows for easy navigation and management of files between different directories.

Explanation:

To open specific directories in separate windows using caja, provide the paths to the directories as arguments to the command. Each directory path should be separated by a space.

Example output:

The caja file manager opens separate windows for each specified directory, displaying their respective contents.

Use case 3: Open specific directories in tabs

Code:

caja --tabs path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...

Motivation:

Instead of opening separate windows for each directory, opening directories in tabs can help in decluttering the desktop and providing a more organized workflow. It allows for easy switching between different directories within the same caja window.

Explanation:

To open specific directories in tabs within the same caja window, use the --tabs flag followed by the paths to the directories as arguments.

Example output:

The caja file manager opens a single window with multiple tabs, each displaying the contents of the specified directories.

Use case 4: Open a directory with a specific window size

Code:

caja --geometry=600x400 path/to/directory

Motivation:

Sometimes, it can be beneficial to open a directory with a specific window size to optimize display and utilize screen space efficiently.

Explanation:

To open a directory with a specific window size, use the --geometry flag followed by the desired dimensions in pixels (widthxheight) as an argument.

Example output:

The caja file manager opens a window with the specified dimensions, displaying the contents of the specified directory.

Use case 5: Close all windows

Code:

caja --quit

Motivation:

After finishing file management tasks or when closing the application, you might want to close all caja windows at once.

Explanation:

To close all caja windows, use the --quit flag as an argument to the caja command.

Example output:

All open caja windows are closed, and the application exits.

Conclusion:

The caja command provides a range of functionalities for managing files and directories in the MATE desktop environment. Whether it’s opening specific directories, managing windows, or quitting the application, caja offers flexibility and convenience for file management tasks.