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

The ippeveprinter command is a versatile tool used for setting up a simple Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) Everywhere printer server. This command allows users to simulate a network printer on local machines, which is particularly useful for testing and development purposes. The command provides various options to customize and enhance the printer server’s functionality, such as setting printer attributes, specifying print file spools, and controlling print behavior.

Use case 1: Running the server with a specific service name

Code:

ippeveprinter "MyPrinterService"

Motivation:

Naming your service can help in identifying and managing multiple printer services efficiently, especially in environments with multiple printers. It serves as the key identifier for the service and makes it straightforward to refer to and manage the service.

Explanation:

• "MyPrinterService": This is the service name, which acts as an identifier for the printer server you are setting up. It will be displayed when connecting devices or software discover the printer service.

Example Output:

Printer 'MyPrinterService' is active and ready to accept print jobs.

Use case 2: Loading printer attributes from a PPD file

Code:

ippeveprinter -P /path/to/file.ppd "MyPrinterService"

Motivation:

Loading printer attributes from a Printer Description (PPD) file allows you to configure the printer with specific capabilities and settings. This can be crucial for matching the printer specifications to particular printing requirements or ensuring compatibility with certain print jobs.

Explanation:

• -P: This option specifies the use of a PPD file, which contains detailed descriptions of the printer’s capabilities and settings.
• /path/to/file.ppd: The path to the PPD file, which should be replaced with the actual path of your PPD file.
• "MyPrinterService": The name given to the printer service.

Example Output:

Using PPD file from /path/to/file.ppd for printer 'MyPrinterService'.
Printer 'MyPrinterService' is ready with specified attributes.

Use case 3: Run the file command whenever a job is sent to the server

Code:

ippeveprinter -c /usr/bin/file "MyPrinterService"

Motivation:

Executing a specific command when a print job is submitted can be useful for logging, analysis, or processing of the print files. The file command, for example, determines the type of each print job file, which can be logged for audit or monitoring purposes.

Explanation:

• -c: This option indicates the file path to a command that will run whenever a print job is submitted to the server.
• /usr/bin/file: The path to the file command. In this example, the file command is used to check and report the type of incoming files.
• "MyPrinterService": The identifier for your printer service.

Example Output:

Whenever a print job is processed, the output will include:

Determined file type for current print job: PDF document, version 1.4

Use case 4: Specify the directory that will hold the print files

Code:

ippeveprinter -d /home/user/print_spool "MyPrinterService"

Motivation:

Defining a spool directory grants better control over where print files are stored temporarily before being printed. This can help in organizing files and managing disk space more efficiently, especially if large files are anticipated.

Explanation:

• -d: This option is used to specify the directory that will be used to store print files temporarily.
• /home/user/print_spool: The custom path to the directory where print jobs will be spooled.
• "MyPrinterService": The name for the printer server service.

Example Output:

Print jobs will be spooled to /home/user/print_spool for printer 'MyPrinterService'.

Use case 5: Keep the print documents in the spool directory

Code:

ippeveprinter -k "MyPrinterService"

Motivation:

Keeping printed documents in the spool directory can be useful for reviewing past print jobs, maintaining a backup, or auditing purposes where a record of all print activities is required.

Explanation:

• -k: This option tells the command to keep printed documents in the spool directory, instead of deleting them after processing.
• "MyPrinterService": The defined name for the printer service.

Example Output:

Documents for printer 'MyPrinterService' are retained in the spool directory after printing.

Use case 6: Specify the printer speed in pages/minute

Code:

ippeveprinter -s 20 "MyPrinterService"

Motivation:

Configuring the printer speed can help simulate real-world conditions for testing purposes or to align with the specifications of physical printers. This is essential for performance benchmarking and ensuring that the printer server behaves as expected under different loads.

Explanation:

• -s: This option allows the user to set the printing speed in pages per minute.
• 20: The desired print speed, indicating that the printer should print 20 pages per minute.
• "MyPrinterService": The name assigned to the printer server.

Example Output:

Printer 'MyPrinterService' set to operate at 20 pages-per-minute.

Conclusion:

The ippeveprinter command serves as a flexible and powerful tool for creating a virtual printer server that accommodates various customization needs. By understanding and utilizing its numerous options, users can effectively simulate different printer configurations and environments, making it an invaluable asset for developers, testers, and IT professionals.