How to use the command "finch" (with examples)

Finch is a console-based modular messaging client that allows users to send and receive messages through various messaging protocols. This article provides examples of different use cases of the “finch” command and explains the purpose of each use case.

Use case 1: Launch finch

Code:

finch

Motivation: Launching finch allows users to access their messaging accounts and start sending and receiving messages.

Explanation: The command “finch” is used to launch the finch messaging client in the console.

Example output: The finch client interface will be displayed in the console, showing the list of available messaging accounts and contacts.

Use case 2: Quit

Code:

alt + q or ctrl + c

Motivation: Quitting finch allows users to exit the messaging client and return to the console.

Explanation: Pressing either the “alt + q” keys or the “ctrl + c” keys stops the execution of the finch command and terminates the program.

Example output: The finch client will close, and the user will return to the console.

Use case 3: Show actions menu

Code:

alt + a

Motivation: Showing the actions menu in finch allows users to access various features and functions of the messaging client.

Explanation: Pressing the “alt + a” keys displays the actions menu, which provides options for sending messages, managing contacts, configuring settings, and more.

Example output: The actions menu will appear on the screen, listing the available options for the user to choose from.

Use case 4: Jump to n-th window

Code:

alt + number_key

Motivation: Jumping to a specific window in finch allows users to quickly switch between different messaging conversations.

Explanation: Pressing the “alt + number_key” keys, where “number_key” is replaced with a number key on the keyboard, allows the user to jump to the window corresponding to that number.

Example output: If the user presses “alt + 2”, they will be taken to the second messaging conversation window in finch.

Use case 5: Close current window

Code:

alt + c

Motivation: Closing the current window in finch allows users to remove a messaging conversation from the active window list.

Explanation: Pressing the “alt + c” keys closes the current window in finch, removing it from the list of active windows.

Example output: If the user has a conversation window open and presses “alt + c”, that window will be closed, and the user will be directed to the next available window.

Use case 6: Start moving a window

Code:

alt + m

Motivation: Moving a window in finch allows users to rearrange the order of active messaging conversation windows.

Explanation: Pressing the “alt + m” keys starts the process of moving a window in finch. The user can then use the arrow keys to move the window around the screen. Pressing the escape key exits the moving mode.

Example output: After pressing “alt + m”, the user can use the arrow keys to move the window. When they press escape, the window will stop moving.

Use case 7: Start resizing a window

Code:

alt + r

Motivation: Resizing a window in finch allows users to adjust the size of the active messaging conversation windows.

Explanation: Pressing the “alt + r” keys starts the process of resizing a window in finch. The user can use the arrow keys to resize the window. Pressing escape exits the resizing mode.

Example output: After pressing “alt + r”, the user can use the arrow keys to resize the window. When they press escape, the window will stop resizing.

Conclusion:

The “finch” command provides a range of functionalities for interacting with messaging accounts and contacts through a console-based client. By understanding and using the different use cases of the “finch” command, users can effectively navigate and manage their messaging conversations.