How to use the command i3exit (with examples)

The i3exit command is used to exit the i3 window manager. It provides various options to perform actions such as logging out, locking, shutting down, suspending, switching user, hibernating, and rebooting the system.

Use case 1: Log out of i3

Code:

i3exit logout

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to log out of your current i3 session and return to the login screen. Logging out allows you to switch to a different user or close the session.

Explanation:

• i3exit: Executes the i3exit command.
• logout: Specifies the logout action, which logs out of i3 and returns to the login screen.

Example output: The i3 window manager is terminated, and the user is taken back to the login screen.

Use case 2: Lock i3

Code:

i3exit lock

Motivation: Locking i3 is useful when you want to secure your system and prevent unauthorized access. This is particularly important if you are stepping away from your computer for a brief period.

Explanation:

• i3exit: Executes the i3exit command.
• lock: Specifies the lock action, which locks the i3 session and activates the screen lock.

Example output: The i3 session is locked, and the user is required to enter their password to unlock it.

Use case 3: Shut down the system

Code:

i3exit shutdown

Motivation: Shutting down the system gracefully is important to ensure that all running processes are properly stopped and the data is saved.

Explanation:

• i3exit: Executes the i3exit command.
• shutdown: Specifies the shutdown action, which shuts down the system.

Example output: The system initiates the shutdown process, and all processes are gracefully terminated. The computer powers off once the shutdown process is completed.

Use case 4: Suspend the system

Code:

i3exit suspend

Motivation: Suspending the system is useful when you want to temporarily pause your work without shutting down the computer. It helps in conserving power and allows for quick resumption of tasks.

Explanation:

• i3exit: Executes the i3exit command.
• suspend: Specifies the suspend action, which suspends the system by putting it into a low-power sleep mode.

Example output: The system enters a suspended state, preserving the current system state and reducing power consumption. Pressing any key or pressing the power button resumes the system from suspension.

Use case 5: Switch to the login screen to log in as a different user

Code:

i3exit switch_user

Motivation: Switching user accounts is useful when you want to allow another user to log in to the system or when you need to switch to a different user account for different purposes.

Explanation:

• i3exit: Executes the i3exit command.
• switch_user: Specifies the switch_user action, which switches to the login screen, allowing the user to log in as a different user.

Example output: The i3 session is terminated, and the login screen is displayed, allowing the user to select a different user account to log in.

Use case 6: Hibernate the system

Code:

i3exit hibernate

Motivation: Hibernating the system is useful when you want to save the current state of your system, including open applications and documents, and turn off your computer. When you resume from hibernation, your work will be restored exactly as you left it.

Explanation:

• i3exit: Executes the i3exit command.
• hibernate: Specifies the hibernate action, which hibernates the system by saving the current state to the disk and powering off the computer.

Example output: The computer powers off, and the system state is saved to the disk. When the computer is turned on again, the system resumes from hibernation, restoring all open applications and documents.

Use case 7: Reboot the system

Code:

i3exit reboot

Motivation: Rebooting the system is useful when you want to restart the computer to apply system updates or resolve certain issues. It helps in refreshing the system and starting with a clean slate.

Explanation:

• i3exit: Executes the i3exit command.
• reboot: Specifies the reboot action, which initiates a system reboot.

Example output: The system starts the reboot process, shutting down all processes, and then powers back on. Once the reboot is complete, the computer starts up with a fresh system.

Conclusion:

The i3exit command provides convenient options for managing your i3 window manager and system. It allows you to log out, lock, shut down, suspend, switch users, hibernate, and reboot your system. Understanding these use cases provides you with the knowledge to effectively manage your i3 environment.