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

Dolphin is KDE’s default file manager, designed to facilitate easy file and directory management for users. It provides a sophisticated graphical user interface that allows seamless navigation and organization of files and directories on a computer. Known for its flexibility, Dolphin integrates various commands to enhance user experience, whether managing multiple folders, selecting specific files, or utilizing advanced features like D-Bus interface support. This article explores different use cases of the Dolphin command to illustrate its functionality and benefits.

Use case 1: Launch the File Manager

Code:

dolphin

Motivation:

Launching the Dolphin file manager in its default state provides a window into the user’s file system, offering a visually appealing, interactive medium to manage files. Whether users seek to browse their files, organize folders, or perform operations like copy, paste, or delete, opening Dolphin without arguments is often the entry point for these tasks.

Explanation:

• dolphin: The basic command to launch the Dolphin application. When run without additional arguments, Dolphin opens the default file view showing the user’s home directory or any previously open directories, based on the user’s settings.

Example output:

When executed, this command will open the Dolphin application, displaying the main file system interface to the user, typically starting with the home directory. No path will be pre-selected or loaded into the split view; this is simply a straightforward file manager window.

Use case 2: Open specific directories

Code:

dolphin path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...

Motivation:

There are instances when a user might need to access multiple directories simultaneously, perhaps to compare files or to move data between them. Opening Dolphin with specific directory paths can immediately take the user to the required locations without navigation through the file hierarchy, saving valuable time.

Explanation:

• dolphin: Initiates the file manager.
• path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...: Specifies one or multiple directory paths to open upon launching the file manager. Each path tells Dolphin to open on those specified folders, allowing direct access.

Example output:

When you specify the paths to the directories, Dolphin immediately opens those directories, presenting their contents in separate tabs. If multiple directories are mentioned, each will have its own tab or window depending on the settings of the Dolphin configuration.

Use case 3: Open with specific files or directories selected

Code:

dolphin --select path/to/file_or_directory1 path/to/file_or_directory2 ...

Motivation:

This use case is beneficial when users wish to start working with particular files or folders immediately upon launching Dolphin. Selecting files or directories in advance streamlines operations like dragging, copying, or executing files without the extra step of searching.

Explanation:

• dolphin: Launches the file manager.
• --select: An option to specify that certain files or directories should be selected upon opening.
• path/to/file_or_directory1 path/to/file_or_directory2 ...: Paths pointing to files or directories that Dolphin should pre-select upon opening. This assists in quickly identifying and working with the needed items.

Example output:

Once executed, a Dolphin window will open, highlighting the specified files or directories, ready for immediate action, such as renaming, copying, or deletion.

Use case 4: Open a new window

Code:

dolphin --new-window

Motivation:

Sometimes, a user may need a fresh instance of Dolphin to work independently from other instances that are already running, particularly useful when working on different projects simultaneously.

Explanation:

• dolphin: Initializes the file manager.
• --new-window: Tells Dolphin to open a new instance of the application in a separate window, regardless of how many other instances are currently running.

Example output:

A brand new Dolphin window will appear, independent of any others, providing a new session for file management tasks.

Use case 5: Open specific directories in split view

Code:

dolphin --split path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2

Motivation:

For enhanced productivity, particularly during file transfers between directories, the split view feature is invaluable. It allows the user to view two directories side-by-side in a single Dolphin window, facilitating easy comparison and movement of files.

Explanation:

• dolphin: Starts the file manager.
• --split: Activates the split view mode in Dolphin.
• path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2: Designates directories to open side-by-side within the same window, making it easier to manage two folders concurrently.

Example output:

When executed, Dolphin opens with two panes, each displaying the content of the specified directories, making it straightforward to drag files from one to another or compare directory contents.

Use case 6: Launch the daemon

Code:

dolphin --daemon

Motivation:

In advanced scenarios, such as when using Dolphin with scripts or applications via the D-Bus interface, running Dolphin as a daemon can improve response times by keeping it in memory and ready for use without needing frequent re-launches.

Explanation:

• dolphin: Calls the file manager.
• --daemon: Initiates Dolphin as a background process, allowing for immediate, persistent interaction via D-Bus interfaces without visual interference.

Example output:

Running this command does not produce a visible output in terms of graphical windows but sets Dolphin in the background, available for programmatic interactions.

Use case 7: Display help

Code:

dolphin --help

Motivation:

Gain a deeper understanding of the available Dolphin options and functionalities directly from the command line. Useful for users unfamiliar with Dolphin’s full range of capabilities or those looking to learn about specific command-line options.

Explanation:

• dolphin: Invokes the file manager.
• --help: Requests a display of help information, which lists options, arguments, and a brief description of each, directly accessible for reference.

Example output:

The command prompts a list of Dolphin’s command-line options to appear in the terminal, serving as a quick reference guide for users.

Conclusion:

The Dolphin command offers versatile ways to manage system files effectively, providing both elementary and advanced options to cater to various user needs. From basic launching to specific selection and Daemon usage, Dolphin ensures that users have a powerful tool at their disposal to streamline file operations while maintaining KDE’s robust GUI characteristics.