How to Use the Command 'ddgr' (with Examples)

ddgr is a command-line utility that allows users to interact with the DuckDuckGo search engine directly from their terminal. By using it, users can perform web searches without needing a graphical web browser. This can be particularly beneficial for users who prefer using the terminal, those using SSH to connect to a server without a graphical interface, or simply anyone wanting a faster and more streamlined search experience. ddgr not only provides basic search capabilities but also adds a range of customizable options to tailor search results to users’ preferences. Let’s explore several use cases to see how ddgr can be applied in different scenarios.

Use Case 1: Start in Interactive Mode

Code:

ddgr

Motivation: The interactive mode of ddgr allows you to start searching DuckDuckGo in an exploratory way, without specifying a specific keyword at the beginning. This can be advantageous if you want to conduct multiple searches or refine search queries iteratively, granting you the flexibility of changing search parameters or keywords on the fly.

Explanation:

• Running ddgr without any arguments starts the tool in interactive mode. This means you’ll be ready to enter and execute your search queries directly from the terminal as you determine them.

Example Output:

DuckDuckGo Instant Answers in terminal
--------------------------------------
Type DDG search query or :q to exit
ddgr> 

Use Case 2: Search DuckDuckGo for a Keyword

Code:

ddgr keyword

Motivation: Performing a search for a specific keyword is one of the most fundamental uses of any search utility. This comes in handy when you have a specific query in mind and want to obtain relevant results directly.

Explanation:

• ddgr is followed by the keyword you desire to search for. This keyword represents any term or phrase you’re interested in finding information on.

Example Output:

1. Example Domain <https://www.example.com/>
Example Domain. This domain is for use in illustrative examples...

Use Case 3: Limit the Number of Search Results to N

Code:

ddgr -n N keyword

Motivation: Limiting the number of search results per page is useful when you’re looking for a concise set of results or limited bandwidth situations. This helps in focusing on the top N results that are likely to be the most relevant, saving time and resources.

Explanation:

• -n N: Specifies that N results should be displayed on each page. This allows control over the number of search results presented.
• keyword: The search term for which you are looking to retrieve results.

Example Output:

1. Example Domain <https://www.example.com/>
Example Domain usage...

2. Another Example <https://www.anotherexample.com/>
Useful resources and examples for...

Use Case 4: Display the Complete URL in Search Results

Code:

ddgr -x keyword

Motivation: Displaying the full URL for each search result is beneficial when you need to scrutinize the web address for verification or documentation purposes—even before visiting the site.

Explanation:

• -x: Ensures that the full URL for each search result is shown in the terminal output.
• keyword: The subject of your search.

Example Output:

1. Example Domain <https://www.example.com/>
Example Domain. This domain is for...

Complete URL: https://www.example.com/

Use Case 5: Search DuckDuckGo for a Keyword and Open the First Result in the Browser

Code:

ddgr !w keyword

Motivation: Directly accessing the first search result in your web browser can save time when you expect the first hit to be highly relevant—like a well-known site or documentation page you frequently visit.

Explanation:

• !w: Tells ddgr to open the first search result in the default web browser.
• keyword: Represents what you are searching for on DuckDuckGo.

Example Output:

Opening https://www.example.com/ in web browser...

Use Case 6: Perform a Website-Specific Search

Code:

ddgr -w site keyword

Motivation: Focusing the search results to a particular website is advantageous when you’re looking for information confined to a specific domain, such as finding articles in a news archive or checking documentation on a tech blog.

Explanation:

• -w: Restricts the search to a specified website.
• site: The domain you want to search within.
• keyword: The term you want to find on that domain.

Example Output:

1. Example Resource <https://www.site.com/example-resource>
Detailed information on requested keyword...

Use Case 7: Search for a Specific File Type

Code:

ddgr keyword filetype:filetype

Motivation: Searching for specific file types can be extremely useful when you’re hunting for downloadable content such as PDFs, documents, or presentations relevant to your search.

Explanation:

• keyword: What you are looking for in the contents of the file.
• filetype:filetype: This specifies the format of the files you’re interested in, such as PDF, DOCX, etc.

Example Output:

1. Document Title <https://www.example.com/document.pdf>
Link to download or view the PDF document...

Use Case 8: Display Help in Interactive Mode

Code:

?

Motivation: Accessing help within the interactive mode is essential for understanding what additional commands or options are available, promoting a more effective use of ddgr.

Explanation:

• ? when typed into the interactive session, provides a list of actions and options that can be utilized within ddgr.

Example Output:

Interactive help:
Type your DuckDuckGo search query or :q to exit.
Type ? for this help.

Conclusion:

With the ability to directly perform searches from the terminal, ddgr empowers users to conduct quick and efficient searches on DuckDuckGo. Whether limiting the results, opening them in a browser, or conducting domain-specific searches, ddgr provides versatile options to cater to various needs. From individuals seeking efficiency to professionals necessitating terminal-based workflows, ddgr is a potent tool that bridges command-line convenience with web search capabilities.