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

The ’eject’ command is used to eject CDs, floppy disks, and tape drives. It allows you to easily eject these devices through the command line. Below are examples of different use cases of the ’eject’ command.

Use case 1: Display the default device

Code:

eject -d

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to check the default device that will be ejected when running the ’eject’ command without any arguments.

Explanation: The ‘-d’ option is used to display the default device. It will show the default device that will be ejected when running the ’eject’ command without any arguments.

Example output:

eject: default ejectable devices:
    cdrom

Use case 2: Eject the default device

Code:

eject

Motivation: This use case is used when you want to eject the default device, which is typically the CD-ROM.

Explanation: When running the ’eject’ command without any arguments, it will eject the default device, which is usually the CD-ROM drive.

Example output: The CD tray will be ejected.

Use case 3: Eject a specific device

Code:

eject /dev/cdrom

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to eject a specific device, such as a CD-ROM, by specifying its device name.

Explanation: By providing the device path (/dev/cdrom in this case), the ’eject’ command will eject the specified device.

Example output: The CD-ROM tray will be ejected.

Use case 4: Toggle whether a device’s tray is open or closed

Code:

eject -T /dev/cdrom

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to toggle the state of a device’s tray, opening or closing it as needed.

Explanation: The ‘-T’ option is used to toggle whether a device’s tray is open or closed. By providing the device path (/dev/cdrom in this case), the ’eject’ command will open the tray if it’s closed, or close it if it’s already open.

Example output: The CD-ROM tray will be opened or closed, depending on its current state.

Use case 5: Eject a CD drive

Code:

eject -r /dev/cdrom

Motivation: This use case is used when you specifically want to eject a CD drive, ensuring that it’s the CD tray being ejected.

Explanation: The ‘-r’ option is used to specifically eject a CD drive. By providing the device path (/dev/cdrom in this case), the ’eject’ command will eject the CD drive.

Example output: The CD drive tray will be ejected.

Use case 6: Eject a floppy drive

Code:

eject -f /mnt/floppy

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you need to eject a floppy drive.

Explanation: The ‘-f’ option is used to specifically eject a floppy drive. By providing the mount path (/mnt/floppy in this case), the ’eject’ command will eject the floppy drive.

Example output: The floppy drive tray will be ejected.

Use case 7: Eject a tape drive

Code:

eject -q /mnt/tape

Motivation: This use case is used when you want to eject a tape drive.

Explanation: The ‘-q’ option is used to specifically eject a tape drive. By providing the mount path (/mnt/tape in this case), the ’eject’ command will eject the tape drive.

Example output: The tape drive tray will be ejected.

Conclusion

The ’eject’ command is a handy utility for ejecting CDs, floppy disks, and tape drives from the command line. It allows you to easily manage and control these devices without the need for manual intervention. The examples provided above cover various use cases for different types of devices, giving you flexibility and convenience when using the ’eject’ command.