How to use the command 'i3exit' (with examples)

The command i3exit is designed specifically for managing the exit and other power-related options within the i3 window manager, a popular, minimalistic tiling window manager for Linux. This command provides users an efficient way to handle various exit operations, such as logging out, locking the session, and power management tasks like shutting down or rebooting the system. Each option offered by i3exit caters to different user requirements, ensuring smooth operation within the i3 environment.

Log out of i3

Code:

i3exit logout

Motivation: Logging out is a fundamental function for users who need to end their current session, ensuring that all activities and applications are properly terminated, helping maintain system security and performance.

Explanation: The logout argument signals the i3exit command to terminate the user’s session. It effectively closes all currently running applications and returns the user to the display manager or login screen, preparing the system for a new session or shutdown.

Example output: The i3 window manager session will close, and the screen will switch to the login manager, ready for a user to log in again. There is typically no verbose output in the terminal when executing this command.

Lock i3

Code:

i3exit lock

Motivation: Locking the session is crucial for protecting your open sessions from unauthorized access, especially in shared environments or public spaces, ensuring privacy and data security while you are away from your computer.

Explanation: The lock argument instructs i3exit to initiate the screen lock mechanism. This typically involves interacting with utilities like i3lock or other configured screen lockers, effectively preventing unauthorized access.

Example output: The screen will display the screen lock (e.g., a simple black screen or a graphical lock interface), prompting the user for their password to unlock the session. No terminal output is typically generated.

Shut down the system

Code:

i3exit shutdown

Motivation: Shutting down is essential for conserving energy and protecting the system hardware when it’s not in use. It cleanly powers off all system components, preventing data corruption and prolonging hardware lifespan.

Explanation: The shutdown argument informs i3exit to power off the system. This involves closing all open applications, unmounting disks, and sending the appropriate signals to the operating system to physically turn off the computer.

Example output: The system will begin the shutdown process, eventually powering down all components. Generally, no textual output is displayed; instead, the system simply turns off.

Suspend the system

Code:

i3exit suspend

Motivation: Suspending the system is a convenient way to save power without fully shutting down. It allows you to quickly resume your work by keeping the session in memory, ideal for short breaks when powering down is unnecessary.

Explanation: The suspend argument commands i3exit to put the system into a low-power state. This freezes the system state in RAM and significantly reduces power consumption, while still allowing for an instantaneous resume.

Example output: The system will enter a sleep state, and the screen will go dark. When resumed, users will return to their session as it was before suspending. No dialogue or terminal message is shown when suspending.

Switch to the login screen to log in as a different user

Code:

i3exit switch_user

Motivation: Switching users without logging out is beneficial in multi-user environments, allowing seamless transition between user sessions without full termination, thus preserving the state of applications and documents for quick user switching.

Explanation: The switch_user argument enables i3exit to open the login screen, allowing another user to log into the system while maintaining the current user’s session active in the background.

Example output: Upon executing this command, the login screen will appear, awaiting input from another user. The current session remains active but inaccessible until the original user logs back in.

Hibernate the system

Code:

i3exit hibernate

Motivation: Hibernating the system is useful for longer periods of inactivity. It saves the session to disk, enabling a complete power-off, which is akin to shutting down yet resumes to the exact state later, perfect for overnight or travel use.

Explanation: The hibernate argument is used by i3exit to write the current session to disk, allowing the machine to power off fully. When turned back on, the session is restored from the disk to RAM, preserving all open applications.

Example output: The system will save the session state to the hard drive, power off completely, and upon restart, return the user to the exact state prior to hibernation. This process doesn’t yield any direct terminal output.

Reboot the system

Code:

i3exit reboot

Motivation: Rebooting is commonly required after software updates or configuration changes. It ensures a fresh start, applying all updates and clearing temporary states, which is crucial for system stability and functionality.

Explanation: The reboot argument directs i3exit to restart the machine. It essentially combines shutdown and startup operations, ensuring that all files are saved and the system is rebooted cleanly.

Example output: The system will go through the shutdown process and automatically start back up, returning to the login manager or a fresh session. Unlike commands with verbose terminal output, the process of rebooting appears as a seamless cycle of power down and power on.

Conclusion:

The i3exit command is tailored for managing session controls and system power states efficiently within the i3 window manager, enhancing user productivity and system management. The various use cases illustrate its versatility, catering to diverse user requirements, whether it’s logging out, securing the session, or managing system power states. Each function is straightforward, involving minimal user intervention while maximizing system control, making it an invaluable tool for users of i3.