How to Use the Command 'caja' (with examples)

Caja is a file manager for the MATE desktop environment, helping users efficiently manage files and directories. In essence, it enables users to perform common file management tasks such as opening, closing, and organizing files and directories. Caja can open directories in separate windows or tabs and has options for managing the size and configuration of these windows.

Use Case 1: Open the Current User Home Directory

Code:

caja

Motivation:
The primary motivation for using this command is convenience. Opening your home directory is one of the most routine tasks when you boot up your computer. Your home directory is often where you store the majority of your personal files and configuration settings. By using the simple command caja, you streamline this process, immediately providing access to your valuable data.

Explanation:
The command caja with no additional arguments defaults to opening the user’s home directory. Here, Caja acts as a gateway to accessing all personal files without needing to navigate through multiple folders.

Example Output:
Upon execution, a file manager window opens, displaying the contents of your home directory — typically including folders like Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, etc.

Use Case 2: Open Specific Directories in Separate Windows

Code:

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

Motivation:
The motivation to open multiple directories in separate windows often arises in scenarios requiring multitasking or comparing contents across directories. Whether you’re organizing photos into different albums or coordinating document versions, having access to each directory in its window allows for an efficient workflow.

Explanation:
In this command, caja is followed by one or more directory paths, each separated by a space. This tells Caja to open a new file manager window for each specified directory path, thus facilitating direct access and individual control over multiple folders simultaneously.

Example Output:
Executing this command spawns multiple Caja windows, each showing the contents of a different specified directory, thus enabling easy dragging and dropping of files between them.

Use Case 3: Open Specific Directories in Tabs

Code:

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

Motivation:
Opening multiple directories in tabs instead of separate windows is particularly useful for saving screen space and maintaining an organized workspace. This method is beneficial when working with limited desktop real estate or when you prefer to keep all operations within a single Caja window.

Explanation:
The --tabs argument specifies that each additional directory path provided should be opened in a new tab within one Caja window. This option is ideal for users who want a clutter-free desktop while still accessing multiple directories simultaneously.

Example Output:
A single Caja window opens with multiple tabs, each tab corresponding to a directory path specified in the command. This enables easy switching between directories via tabs at the top of the window.

Use Case 4: Open a Directory with a Specific Window Size

Code:

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

Motivation:
This use case is highly relevant when users need to fit a particular window size into a busy desktop setup or when they want a precise view of the directory contents. Specifying the window size in advance provides control over the spatial layout of windows on the screen.

Explanation:
The --geometry=600x400 argument allows users to specify the size of the Caja window directly. 600x400 represents the width and height of the window in pixels, respectively. This option is especially useful for scripting or when setting up a standardized workspace layout.

Example Output:
When executed, the specified directory opens in a Caja window measuring 600 pixels in width and 400 pixels in height, fitting comfortably into the designated space on the desktop.

Use Case 5: Close All Windows

Code:

caja --quit

Motivation:
This command is straightforward yet powerful for times when you need to quickly close all open Caja windows to clear up the desktop space or when ending a session of work. It’s a fast way to ensure all Caja windows are closed with a single command, helping accelerate shutdown processes or transitions between tasks.

Explanation:
The --quit argument instructs Caja to close all its currently open windows, effectively ending the session. This is particularly efficient when working with multiple instances of Caja that need to be closed rapidly.

Example Output:
All previously open Caja windows disappear from the screen, leaving the desktop uncluttered and freeing system resources.

Conclusion:

Caja is a versatile file manager in the MATE desktop environment, offering a range of options to suit different user needs. Whether you’re managing daily tasks by opening your home directory, multitasking with separate windows, streamlining your workspace with tabs, customizing window sizes, or efficiently closing all open windows, Caja offers intuitive and effective solutions. This flexibility ensures users can maintain productivity and organization with ease.