How to manage dconf databases (with examples)

Dconf is a command-line tool used for managing dconf databases, which are key-value stores used for storing application settings. It can be used to read, write, reset, watch, and dump specific keys and directories within the dconf database. In this article, we will explore each of these use cases with examples.

Use case 1: Print a specific key value

Code:

dconf read /path/to/key

Motivation: Printing a specific key value allows users to retrieve the current value associated with a particular key in the dconf database. This is useful for checking the current configuration of an application or accessing specific settings.

Explanation:

• dconf is the command used to manage dconf databases.
• read is the subcommand used to retrieve the value of a specific key.
• /path/to/key is the path to the desired key in the dconf database.

Example output:

42

Use case 2: Print a specific path sub-directories and sub-keys

Code:

dconf list /path/to/directory/

Motivation: Printing the sub-directories and sub-keys within a specific path allows users to explore the structure of the dconf database and discover available settings. This is particularly useful when trying to find certain configuration options or understand how an application stores its settings.

Explanation:

• dconf is the command used to manage dconf databases.
• list is the subcommand used to list the sub-directories and sub-keys within a specific path.
• /path/to/directory/ is the path to the desired directory in the dconf database.

Example output:

/: ['org', 'com']
/org/: ['example', 'gnome']
/org/gnome/: [...]

Use case 3: Write a specific key value

Code:

dconf write /path/to/key "value"

Motivation: Writing a specific key value allows users to modify the value associated with a particular key in the dconf database. This is useful for customizing application settings to suit specific preferences or requirements.

Explanation:

• dconf is the command used to manage dconf databases.
• write is the subcommand used to write a value to a specific key.
• /path/to/key is the path to the desired key in the dconf database.
• "value" is the new value to be assigned to the key.

Example output: (No output is displayed upon successful execution)

Use case 4: Reset a specific key value

Code:

dconf reset /path/to/key

Motivation: Resetting a specific key value allows users to revert the value associated with a particular key in the dconf database back to its default or initial state. This is useful when troubleshooting or undoing customizations made to application settings.

Explanation:

• dconf is the command used to manage dconf databases.
• reset is the subcommand used to reset the value of a specific key.
• /path/to/key is the path to the desired key in the dconf database.

Example output: (No output is displayed upon successful execution)

Use case 5: Watch a specific key/directory for changes

Code:

dconf watch /path/to/key|/path/to/directory/

Motivation: Watching a specific key or directory allows users to monitor changes made to the associated value or any sub-keys within that path. This is useful for observing real-time updates to application settings or tracking modifications made by other programs or users.

Explanation:

• dconf is the command used to manage dconf databases.
• watch is the subcommand used to monitor changes to a specific key or directory.
• /path/to/key is the path to the desired key in the dconf database.
• /path/to/directory/ is the path to the desired directory in the dconf database.

Example output:

Watching for changes in /path/to/key/

Use case 6: Dump a specific directory in INI file format

Code:

dconf dump /path/to/directory/

Motivation: Dumping a specific directory in INI file format allows users to export the settings within that directory to a file. This is useful for backing up or sharing application configurations, as the INI format is widely supported and easy to read.

Explanation:

• dconf is the command used to manage dconf databases.
• dump is the subcommand used to export the settings within a specific directory.
• /path/to/directory/ is the path to the desired directory in the dconf database.

Example output:

[org/example/app]
key1=value1
key2=value2

Conclusion:

In this article, we have explored various use cases of the dconf command, which is used for managing dconf databases. By using the provided examples, users can effectively read, write, reset, watch, and dump specific keys and directories within the dconf database, allowing for efficient management of application settings.