How to use the command 'kwriteconfig5' (with examples)

kwriteconfig5 is a handy utility used in KDE Plasma environments to manipulate configuration files. It allows users to write, modify, or delete configuration settings for both global and individual application configurations within the Plasma desktop. This tool is integral for system administrators and advanced users who need to fine-tune system behaviors and application settings on KDE Plasma. Below, we’ll dive into specific use cases, each illustrating how kwriteconfig5 can be used with practical examples.

Use case 1: Display help

Code:

kwriteconfig5 --help

Motivation: Every command-line user, whether a novice or seasoned, occasionally needs a quick reminder of the command usage, arguments, or options. Displaying the help documentation allows users to understand the breadth of capabilities that kwriteconfig5 offers and ensures they use the correct parameters for their specific needs.

Explanation:

• --help: This argument is a standard flag in command-line utilities that provides a user with a brief summary of the command’s usage, options, and switches. It’s crucial for getting guidance without needing to consult external manuals.

Example output:

Usage: kwriteconfig5 [options]
Options:
  --help              Displays help on commandline options.
  ...
  --file <path>       Path of the configuration file to write.
  --group <group>     Group to which the key belongs.
  --key <key>         Key to write to.
  ...

Use case 2: Set a global configuration key

Code:

kwriteconfig5 --group group_name --key key value

Motivation: Setting configurations at a global level ensures a consistent user experience across the entire desktop environment or application. This can be particularly useful for work environments where specific settings need to be enforced for all users.

Explanation:

• --group group_name: Specifies the group within the configuration file that the key belongs to. Groups help in organizing the configuration settings logically.
• --key key: The specific setting that you want to modify.
• value: The value to be assigned to the specified key. Changing this can alter how a particular feature behaves globally.

Example output:

Configuration key 'key' in group 'group_name' set to value 'value'.

Use case 3: Set a key in a specific configuration file

Code:

kwriteconfig5 --file path/to/file --group group_name --key key value

Motivation: While global configurations apply system-wide, sometimes settings need to be applied for specific applications. By specifying a configuration file, users can tailor the behavior of individual applications, which is essential in a multi-application environment with varying requirements.

Explanation:

• --file path/to/file: This specifies the exact configuration file to be edited, crucial for targeted customization.
• --group group_name: Identifies the configuration group within the specified file.
• --key key: The specific setting to update.
• value: The new value for the configuration key.

Example output:

Configuration in file 'path/to/file' updated: group 'group_name', key 'key', value 'value'.

Use case 4: Delete a key

Code:

kwriteconfig5 --group group_name --key key --delete

Motivation: Over time, configuration files can accumulate outdated or irrelevant settings, which may affect performance or lead to unexpected behavior. Deleting obsolete keys is a critical maintenance task for keeping configuration files lean and ensuring software functions as expected.

Explanation:

• --group group_name: The configuration group that contains the key to be deleted.
• --key key: The specific key slated for deletion.
• --delete: This argument signals the operation to remove the specified key.

Example output:

Key 'key' in group 'group_name' deleted successfully.

Use case 5: Use systemd to start the Plasma session when available

Code:

kwriteconfig5 --file startkderc --group General --key systemdBoot true

Motivation: Leveraging systemd for session management can enhance startup efficiency and resource allocation in modern Linux environments. By setting this configuration, users can achieve faster Plasma session startups, which is particularly beneficial for systems where performance optimization is a priority.

Explanation:

• --file startkderc: The configuration file related to session startup settings.
• --group General: The general purpose group where system-wide settings are typically stored.
• --key systemdBoot: The specific key that enables systemd to manage session startups.
• true: A boolean value that activates systemd session management.

Example output:

Systemd startup enabled in 'startkderc': group 'General', key 'systemdBoot' set to 'true'.

Use case 6: Hide the title bar when a window is maximized (like Ubuntu)

Code:

kwriteconfig5 --file ~/.config/kwinrc --group Windows --key BorderlessMaximizedWindows true

Motivation: Enhancing screen real estate is crucial for productivity, especially on smaller displays. By hiding the title bar on maximized windows, users can focus more on content, which resembles Ubuntu’s window management style, offering a clutter-free workspace.

Explanation:

• --file ~/.config/kwinrc: The configuration file for KDE’s window manager, KWin.
• --group Windows: The group handling window-specific configurations.
• --key BorderlessMaximizedWindows: The key that toggles the visibility of window borders when maximized.
• true: Enabling this feature to hide borders for maximized windows.

Example output:

Window configuration updated: group 'Windows', key 'BorderlessMaximizedWindows' set to 'true'.

Use case 7: Configure KRunner to open with the Meta (Command/Windows) global hotkey

Code:

kwriteconfig5 --file ~/.config/kwinrc --group ModifierOnlyShortcuts --key Meta "org.kde.kglobalaccel,/component/krunner_desktop,org.kde.kglobalaccel.Component,invokeShortcut,_launch"

Motivation: Efficiently accessing applications and running commands is vital for productivity in any desktop environment. Setting a global hotkey for KRunner enhances accessibility, allowing users to quickly launch commands or applications by pressing the Meta key (often referred to as the Command or Windows key).

Explanation:

• --file ~/.config/kwinrc: The KWin configuration file responsible for window and shortcut management.
• --group ModifierOnlyShortcuts: The group defining shortcuts that only use modifier keys like Ctrl, Alt, or Meta.
• --key Meta: Specifies the Meta key as the trigger for the KRunner command.
• org.kde.kglobalaccel,/component/krunner_desktop,org.kde.kglobalaccel.Component,invokeShortcut,_launch: The command to execute when the Meta key is pressed, invoking the KRunner interface.

Example output:

Shortcut configured: Meta key now opens KRunner via 'ModifierOnlyShortcuts' in 'kwinrc'.

Conclusion:

The kwriteconfig5 command is a powerful tool within the KDE Plasma environment. Its ability to manipulate configuration files allows users to customize their environment to suit personal or organizational needs. By using the command in various scenarios such as setting global keys, adjusting application-specific settings, and managing startup behaviors, users can optimize their KDE experience significantly.