How to Use the Command 'gnome-software' (with examples)

The gnome-software command is a versatile tool designed to enhance the user experience on the GNOME desktop by managing software applications and system updates. This command facilitates tasks such as adding or removing applications and ensuring the system’s software is up-to-date, all from a graphical user interface (GUI). The utility is an integral part of the GNOME desktop environment, providing a centralized platform for seamless software management.

Use case 1: Launch the GNOME Software GUI if it’s not already running

Code:

gnome-software

Motivation:

The primary reason for using this command is to open the GNOME Software application, which might be closed if you haven’t been using it. By executing this command, you ensure that the application launches, giving you access to all the features for managing software on your system, such as exploring new apps, uninstalling unnecessary ones, and installing pending updates.

Explanation:

• gnome-software: This part of the command refers to the GNOME Software application itself. By typing this into the terminal, you instruct your system to open the GNOME Software’s graphical interface, provided it’s installed on your system.

Example Output:

Upon execution, you would not see terminal output. Instead, the GNOME Software GUI would appear, allowing you to browse through various applications, check for system updates, and conduct other software management tasks visually.

Use case 2: Launch the GNOME Software GUI if it’s not open, and navigate to the specified page

Code:

gnome-software --mode updates|updated|installed|overview

Motivation:

Using this command is particularly useful when you want to jump directly to specific sections within the GNOME Software interface. For instance, you might be checking for new updates, reviewing recently updated applications, managing installed apps, or getting an overall view of your software, without the need to manually navigate through the different sections after launching the app.

Explanation:

• gnome-software: Launches the GNOME Software application.
• --mode: This option enables you to specify the starting page or mode the application should display upon launch.
• updates|updated|installed|overview: These are the various modes you can use:
  • updates: Opens the updates section to check for available software updates.
  • updated: Lists software that has been recently updated.
  • installed: Displays a list of all installed applications.
  • overview: Provides a general overview of the software categories and applications.

Example Output:

Upon executing this command with the appropriate mode, the GNOME Software interface appears, directly showing the section you specified, such as the ‘Updates’ page, ready for you to proceed with any actions like installing updates.

Use case 3: Launch the GNOME Software GUI if it’s not open and view the details of the specified package

Code:

gnome-software --details package

Motivation:

This command is essential when you want to quickly access detailed information about a specific software package. It saves time by taking you directly to the package’s information page, where you can find descriptions, reviews, version information, and installation status, making it easier to decide whether to install or remove the application.

Explanation:

• gnome-software: Command to open the GNOME Software tool.
• --details: This argument is used to tell the software to focus on details.
• package: Replace this with the actual name of the package for which you wish to view details.

Example Output:

After execution, the GNOME Software window opens, presenting a detailed view of the specified software package, including screenshots, a description, user reviews, and other pertinent information, helping you understand what the package offers.

Use case 4: Display the version

Code:

gnome-software --version

Motivation:

Checking the version of the GNOME Software application can be crucial when troubleshooting issues or ensuring compatibility with other system components. Knowing the version helps determine if you need an upgrade or specific features are supported.

Explanation:

• gnome-software: Refers to the software management tool.
• --version: The purpose of this argument is to direct the application to return its version number, helping you verify which iteration of the application is currently installed on your system.

Example Output:

On executing this command, you’ll see an output in the terminal that specifies the version of GNOME Software installed, such as “GNOME Software version 41.5”.

Conclusion:

The gnome-software command serves as a powerful interface for managing applications within the GNOME desktop environment. By understanding and utilizing the various options available in the command, users can efficiently handle software installations, updates, and overall application management, enhancing their Linux experience while maintaining a streamlined workflow.