How to Use the Command 'gsettings' (with Examples)

The gsettings command is a powerful tool used in Linux environments for querying and modifying the dconf database, which stores configuration settings for GNOME-based applications. It allows for schema validation, ensuring that any configurations adhere to predefined formats. Employing gsettings can greatly enhance a user’s control over their GNOME desktop by making it possible to tailor settings to their specific needs, whether for appearance, functionality, or user experience.

Use Case 1: Setting the Value of a Key

Code:

gsettings set org.example.schema example-key value

Motivation: This command is used when you want to assign a specific value to a configuration key within a schema. By setting a value, users can customise aspects of their desktop environment to better suit personal preferences or requirements. For instance, altering themes, changing the font size, or other appearance options can be directly addressed with this command.

Explanation:

• gsettings: The main command for interacting with settings.
• set: The sub-command used for defining or altering the value associated with a given key.
• org.example.schema: Represents the schema, or collections of settings options, within which your key resides. It’s a namespace for the settings.
• example-key: This is the specific setting you want to change.
• value: This is the new value you want the key to have. This should match the expected type for example-key as defined by the schema.

Example Output: There is no direct console output unless there is an error with setting the value, such as if the key does not exist or the value is invalid.

Use Case 2: Printing the Value of a Key

Code:

gsettings get org.example.schema example-key

Motivation: This command is primarily used to check the current value of a specific key. It is beneficial when diagnosing issues or verifying that a particular setting is applied as desired, providing a simple way to ensure that a modification was successful or to understand the current settings landscape.

Explanation:

• gsettings: Initiates the gsettings command.
• get: This sub-command retrieves the current or default value of a specified key.
• org.example.schema: The schema namespace within which your key is located.
• example-key: The specific setting you want to query.

Example Output: A return of the current value of example-key, contingent on what has been set previously, or the default value if it hasn’t been specifically changed.

Use Case 3: Unsetting a Key

Code:

gsettings reset org.example.schema example-key

Motivation: The reset function is essential for reverting a key’s value back to its default state as specified by the schema. This is particularly useful in situations where changes have unintended effects and the user wishes to return to a known, stable setup without manually tracking down and setting default values.

Explanation:

• gsettings: The primary command for working with settings.
• reset: This action undoes any user-specific changes, restoring the schema default for the key.
• org.example.schema: Indicates the data’s organizational structure and grouping.
• example-key: The particular setting whose modifications need to be cleared.

Example Output: Typically, no console output is generated unless there is an error, such as an invalid key.

Use Case 4: Displaying all (Non-Relocatable) Schemas, Keys, and Values

Code:

gsettings list-recursively

Motivation: This action is crucial for system administrators and users who need an overview of the existing schemes and their corresponding keys and values. It allows one to quickly survey the current settings landscape in detail, potentially helping with diagnostics or broad changes across the GNOME environment.

Explanation:

• gsettings: The command to adjust and view settings.
• list-recursively: This sub-command outputs a comprehensive list of all schemas, presenting each with its relevant keys and current or default values.

Example Output: Displays an extensive list featuring multiple lines where each line shows the schema, a key, and respective values.

Use Case 5: Displaying All Keys and Values from One Schema

Code:

gsettings list-recursively org.example.schema

Motivation: Focusing the output on a single schema is useful when diagnosing issues, working on a specific application, or making sure all configurations within a particular schema align with intended use-cases or policies.

Explanation:

• gsettings: Accesses the settings database.
• list-recursively: Lists all schema details.
• org.example.schema: Directs the command to one specific group of settings, making the information more targeted and manageable.

Example Output: Shows the keys and values, either current or defaults, for the particular schema specified.

Use Case 6: Displaying Schema-Allowed Values for a Key

Code:

gsettings range org.example.schema example-key

Motivation: Understanding the permitted values for a key is indispensable when configuring settings, especially for keys with a limited set of valid options (like enumerations). It assists users in making acceptable adjustments without running the risk of errors or misconfigurations.

Explanation:

• gsettings: Activates the command line tool for interacting with settings.
• range: Instructs the command to showcase all valid options for a key.
• org.example.schema: Clarifies where the key fits within settings.
• example-key: The specific setting whose allowed values you want to see.

Example Output: Outputs a list of valid values for the key, helping ensure correct and valid modifications.

Use Case 7: Displaying the Human-Readable Description of a Key

Code:

gsettings describe org.example.schema example-key

Motivation: This function aids users in understanding what a key controls and its implications for desktop behavior or appearance. Having this clarification can be crucial when deciding which changes to implement or when explaining configurations to others.

Explanation:

• gsettings: Command to control and query settings.
• describe: Specifies that the command should return a human-understandable explanation of a key’s purpose.
• org.example.schema: Lens through which the key is referenced.
• example-key: The exact setting for which you want an explanation.

Example Output: A descriptive text explaining the key’s purpose and use cases.

Conclusion:

Employing the gsettings command empowers users and administrators of GNOME desktop environments to customize and define system and application behavior deeply. By accessing and manipulating the dconf database, one can manage settings efficiently and recover gracefully from misconfigured states. Each use case presented here demonstrates the versatility and power of gsettings, encouraging a more tailored and controlled computing experience.