Understanding the `kscreen-console` Command (with examples)

The kscreen-console command is a powerful command-line tool designed for querying KScreen’s status. KScreen is part of the KDE desktop environment that manages display configurations, including screen resolution, orientation, and multi-display setups. This command-line tool allows users to extract valuable information about their display settings, which is particularly useful for debugging, monitoring changes, and accessing configuration files.

Use case 1: Show all outputs and configuration files to attach to a bug report

Code:

kscreen-console bug

Motivation:

When encountering issues with your display setup in the KDE environment, it can be essential to collect detailed information to help report a bug effectively. The kscreen-console bug command gathers necessary details about the current screen configuration and outputs this information in a format suitable for attaching to a bug report, aiding developers in diagnosing the issue promptly.

Explanation:

• The bug argument instructs kscreen-console to compile a comprehensive report of the current outputs and their settings, bundled with relevant configuration files necessary for troubleshooting.

Example output:

== Report generated on 2023-03-01 ==
Screen configuration:
Output: HDMI-0
  Resolution: 1920x1080
  Refresh rate: 60Hz
Configuration files:
  /home/user/.local/share/kscreen/1c88a64b9692ce554d8.json
  /home/user/.local/share/kscreen/1c88a64b9692ce554d8_1.json

Use case 2: Show paths to KScreen configuration files

Code:

kscreen-console config

Motivation:

Knowing where KScreen stores its configuration files can be crucial for users who need to manually edit display settings or back up existing configurations before making changes. This command is useful for advanced users who want to maintain more control over their display setup.

Explanation:

• The config argument prompts the kscreen-console command to display the file paths of all current KScreen configurations, allowing users to locate and manipulate these files directly if necessary.

Example output:

Configuration files:
- /home/user/.local/share/kscreen/1c88a64b9692ce554d8.json
- /home/user/.local/share/kscreen/1c88a64b9692ce554d8_1.json
- /home/user/.local/share/kscreen/1c88a64b9692ce554d8_2.json

Use case 3: Show KScreen output information and configuration

Code:

kscreen-console outputs

Motivation:

Getting a snapshot of your screen configuration and input/output details can help you understand how displays are set up and identify any inconsistencies or misconfigurations. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with multiple monitors or preparing for further setup changes.

Explanation:

• The outputs argument gathers essential information about your current screen outputs, such as their names, resolutions, and other pertinent configuration details, providing an overview of your display setup.

Example output:

Outputs Information:
ID: 68
Name: HDMI-0
Resolution: 1920x1080
Position: 0,0

Use case 4: Monitor for changes

Code:

kscreen-console monitor

Motivation:

When altering display settings dynamically or connecting/disconnecting monitors, it’s helpful to monitor these changes in real-time. This command allows users to observe display configuration changes as they happen, ensuring configurations adjust correctly according to intended settings.

Explanation:

• The monitor argument makes the kscreen-console watch for any real-time changes in the display setup and report them as they occur, which can be crucial for debugging or when configuring complex multi-display systems.

Example output:

Monitoring screen changes...
Change detected: Display HDMI-1 connected

Use case 5: Show the current KScreen configuration as JSON

Code:

kscreen-console json

Motivation:

Representing configuration in JSON format offers a structured and easily readable way to view your display settings. This format can be significant for integration with other tools, automated scripting, or restoring configurations programmatically.

Explanation:

• The json argument generates the current display configurations in JSON format, providing a detailed and structured overview of settings that can be utilized by scripts or logging tools.

Example output:

{
  "outputs": {
    "68": {
      "name": "HDMI-0",
      "resolution": "1920x1080"
    }
  }
}

Use case 6: Display help

Code:

kscreen-console --help

Motivation:

Accessing basic help information is invaluable for users unfamiliar with the command’s various options and capabilities. This simple query shows users how to deploy different command options to get the information they need.

Explanation:

• The --help argument provides users with access to a succinct list of available commands and options within kscreen-console, serving as a quick guide.

Example output:

Usage: kscreen-console [options]
Options:
  bug     Show outputs and configuration files for debugging.
  config  Show paths to KScreen configuration files.
  outputs Show KScreen output information and configuration.
  ...

Use case 7: Display help including Qt specific command-line options

Code:

kscreen-console --help-all

Motivation:

For users and developers who need an in-depth understanding of both kscreen-console and its integration with the Qt framework, accessing extended help options is crucial. This complete help option aids those who work extensively with KDE or need to customize Qt parameters.

Explanation:

• The --help-all argument extends the basic help functionality by also displaying command-line options specific to the Qt environment, offering comprehensive insight into possible configurations.

Example output:

Usage: kscreen-console [options]
Qt options:
  --display        Use the X server DISPLAY.
  --platform       Qt platform plugin to use.
  ...
Commands:
  --help           Show help.
  --help-all       Show all command-line options (including Qt options).

Conclusion:

The kscreen-console tool is an invaluable asset for KDE users who need to manage and troubleshoot their display settings efficiently. By exploring its various commands and understanding their outputs, users can gain enhanced control over their multi-display configurations and streamline their bug reporting processes. Through the examples provided, running these commands equips users with the knowledge required to adapt and optimize their display environments effectively.