How to use the command 'cb' (with examples)

The ‘cb’ command is a tool that allows users to cut, copy, and paste anything in the terminal. It provides a more convenient way to manage clipboard content within the command line interface.

Use case 1: Show all clipboards

Code:

cb

Motivation: This command displays all the clipboards available in the system. It can be useful when you need to quickly check the contents of your clipboards or ensure that the desired clipboard is selected.

Explanation: The ‘cb’ command without any additional arguments is used to show all the available clipboards.

Example output:

1: Clipboard 1 - "Some text"
2: Clipboard 2 - "Another text"
3: Clipboard 3 - "Additional text"

Use case 2: Copy a file to the clipboard

Code:

cb copy path/to/file

Motivation: This use case allows you to copy the content of a file into the clipboard. It can be beneficial when you want to share the file content with someone else or paste it into another application that supports clipboard operations.

Explanation: The ‘cb copy’ command followed by the file path argument is used to copy the file content into the clipboard.

Example output: N/A

Use case 3: Copy some text to the clipboard

Code:

cb copy "Some example text"

Motivation: This example demonstrates how to copy a specific text string into the clipboard. It can be useful when you want to quickly copy a portion of text from the terminal and paste it elsewhere.

Explanation: The ‘cb copy’ command followed by the text argument enclosed in double quotes is used to copy the specified text into the clipboard.

Example output: N/A

Use case 4: Copy piped data to the clipboard

Code:

echo "Some example text" | cb

Motivation: This use case allows you to copy the data received from a preceding command or pipeline into the clipboard. It can be helpful when you want to manipulate or share the output of a command without saving it to a file.

Explanation: In this example, the ’echo’ command is used to generate some example text, which is then piped to the ‘cb’ command. The ‘cb’ command without any additional arguments automatically copies the piped data into the clipboard.

Example output: N/A

Use case 5: Paste clipboard content

Code:

cb paste

Motivation: This command allows you to paste the content from the clipboard. It is useful when you want to insert clipboard content into a text editor, command prompt, or any other application that supports pasting.

Explanation: The ‘cb paste’ command is used to retrieve the content from the clipboard and paste it at the current cursor position.

Example output: N/A

Use case 6: Pipe out clipboard content

Code:

cb | cat

Motivation: This use case shows how to access the clipboard content and perform additional operations with it. It can be useful when you need to manipulate the clipboard content using other commands or scripts.

Explanation: In this example, the ‘cb’ command is piped to the ‘cat’ command. The ‘cb’ command retrieves the clipboard content, and then the ‘cat’ command displays it.

Example output: N/A

Use case 7: Show clipboard history

Code:

cb history

Motivation: This command allows you to view the clipboard history. It can be helpful when you want to recall previously copied items or check the history to find a specific piece of content.

Explanation: The ‘cb history’ command is used to display the clipboard history, showing the items that have been previously copied.

Example output:

1: Clipboard 1 - "Some text"
2: Clipboard 2 - "Another text"
3: Clipboard 3 - "Additional text"

Use case 8: Show clipboard information

Code:

cb info

Motivation: This command provides detailed information about the selected clipboard. It can be useful when you need to check the properties, such as the name or the content, of the current clipboard.

Explanation: The ‘cb info’ command is used to display information about the current clipboard, such as the clipboard’s name and its content.

Example output:

Clipboard Name: Clipboard 1
Clipboard Content: "Some text"

Conclusion:

The ‘cb’ command is a versatile tool for managing clipboard content within the terminal. It allows users to conveniently copy, cut, and paste various types of data, including files and text strings. Additionally, it provides functionality to view clipboard history and retrieve information about the selected clipboard. The ‘cb’ command proves to be a handy utility for command line users, streamlining their clipboard operations and enhancing productivity.