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

Duc is a versatile toolset designed to help users manage, inspect, and visualize disk usage effectively. It maintains a comprehensive database of directory sizes within a file system, which can later be queried or visualized for enhanced data comprehension. By indexing the directories and creating informative graphical representations, Duc offers a clearer perspective on how disk space is being utilized. This is especially useful for identifying large files or directories and managing them efficiently. To explore how Duc can be leveraged for disk management, we delve into several use cases below.

Use case 1: Index the /usr directory

Code:

duc index /usr

Motivation: Indexing directories with Duc is essential for creating an updated database that reflects the current disk usage. This database acts as a foundation for all subsequent queries and visualizations, ensuring accuracy and relevancy in analyses.

Explanation:

• duc: Invokes the Duc command-line tool.
• index: Signals Duc to commence scanning and adding the directory’s structure and size data to its internal database.
• /usr: Specifies the directory to be indexed. The /usr directory is a standard location in Unix-like systems that contains user utilities and applications, making it an important directory to monitor.

Example Output:

When the command is executed, the terminal may show a progress bar or percentage of completion, indicating the extent to which the indexing process has progressed, such as:

Indexing: /usr...
100% complete

Use case 2: List all files and directories under /usr/local, showing relative file sizes in a graph

Code:

duc ls -Fg /usr/local

Motivation: This command is invaluable when you want to get a quick overview of disk space distribution in the /usr/local directory. Displaying files and directories graphically with relative sizes helps in identifying which files or directories are taking up more space.

Explanation:

• duc: Starts the Duc program.
• ls: Lists the contents of the specified directory.
• -F: Formats the output for improved readability, typically appending indicators (like slashes for directories).
• -g: Activates graphical representation of the data, using a textual graph that visually represents the relative size of files and directories.
• /usr/local: Indicates the specific directory on which the operation will be performed.

Example Output:

The output typically displays the contents of /usr/local with each file and directory shown alongside a bar graph that depicts its size relative to others:

/usr/local
[#####] bin
[##   ] lib
[#    ] share

Use case 3: List all files and directories under /usr/local using treeview recursively

Code:

duc ls -Fg -R /usr/local

Motivation: Utilizing the treeview format allows users to navigate the directory’s structure hierarchically, providing an at-a-glance overview of how directories and files are nested. This can be particularly useful for understanding complex directory layouts or for planning directory restructuring.

Explanation:

• duc: Executes the Duc program.
• ls: Commands Duc to list the directory contents.
• -F: Produces a formatted list with file type indicators.
• -g: Includes a graphical representation with size information.
• -R: Enables recursion, which lists directory contents sub-directorily, diving deep into each nested folder.
• /usr/local: Designates the directory subject to the operation.

Example Output:

A recursive listing with treeview might look like this:

/usr/local
|- bin
|- lib
   |- python
      [##] python3.8
   |- ruby
      [##] ruby2.7

Use case 4: Start the graphical interface to explore the file system using sunburst graphs

Code:

duc gui /usr

Motivation: The graphical user interface (GUI) provides a more intuitive and interactive means of exploring disk usage data. The use of sunburst graphs, in particular, is visually striking and allows for a more engaging method of identifying large files or directories.

Explanation:

• duc: Invokes the Duc tool.
• gui: Launches the graphical interface.
• /usr: Specifies the starting point for the graphical exploration within the file system.

Example Output:

The user is presented with a sunburst graph where each segment represents a directory or file, with size proportional to the space it occupies. This might look like a vibrant radial chart with interactive features such as zoom or drill-down capabilities.

Use case 5: Run the ncurses console interface to explore the file system

Code:

duc ui /usr

Motivation: For those who prefer terminal interfaces, the ncurses-based console interface offers a robust way to interact with the disk usage data in a text-based format. This is particularly useful for users who are comfortable with command-line environments and need efficient navigation tools.

Explanation:

• duc: Executes the Duc application.
• ui: Engages the ncurses text user interface.
• /usr: Specifies the directory that will be the starting point for file system exploration.

Example Output:

The interface may display a navigable text menu allowing users to move between directories and view space utilization statistics like so:

/usr
 [50G] /bin
 [30G] /lib

Use case 6: Dump database info

Code:

duc info

Motivation: Displaying database information is crucial for verifying the health, last update time, and indexed directories of the database. This transparency ensures users can trust the data and understand when updates are required.

Explanation:

• duc: Invokes the Duc tool.
• info: Asks Duc to show information regarding its current index database, including size, date of last indexing, and paths monitored.

Example Output:

Typical output may include metadata about the database such as:

Database version: 2.0
Indexing date: 2023-10-01
Indexed paths: /usr, /var, /home

Conclusion:

Through these practical use cases, the command tool ‘duc’ is shown to be an indispensable asset for managing and visualizing disk usage. Each command, with its respective options, offers unique advantages for data visualization, helping users to analyze and manage their disk space efficiently. Whether through a text-based console or a graphical GUI, Duc provides versatility and insight into storage infrastructure, aiding in better resource management and planning.