Using the `links` Command (with examples)

Use Case 1: Visit a website

Code:

links https://example.com

Motivation: The links command allows you to browse the web from the command line. By providing a URL as an argument, you can visit a website without opening a graphical web browser.

Explanation: In this use case, the command links https://example.com is used to visit the website “https://example.com ”. The URL is provided as an argument to the links command.

Example Output: The output of this command will display the website content in the command line interface. You can navigate through the links on the page using the arrow keys.

Use Case 2: Apply restrictions for anonymous account

Code:

links -anonymous https://example.com

Motivation: Sometimes you may want to access a website anonymously or prevent the website from tracking your identity. By using the -anonymous option with the links command, you can apply restrictions for an anonymous account.

Explanation: In this use case, the command links -anonymous https://example.com is used to visit the website “https://example.com ” with anonymous restrictions. The -anonymous option is provided as an argument to the links command.

Example Output: The output of this command will display the website content while restricting certain features that may reveal your identity. This can include disabling scripts, cookies, and other tracking mechanisms.

Use Case 3: Enable Cookies

Code:

links -enable-cookies 1 https://example.com

Motivation: Many websites use cookies to store user preferences and track user activities. By enabling cookies in the links command, you can ensure a more personalized browsing experience.

Explanation: In this use case, the command links -enable-cookies 1 https://example.com is used to visit the website “https://example.com ” while enabling cookies. The -enable-cookies option is provided with the value 1 to enable cookies.

Example Output: The output of this command will display the website content while allowing cookies to be stored and retrieved. This can result in a more personalized browsing experience, such as remembering login credentials or website preferences.

Use Case 4: Navigate forwards and backwards through the links on a page

Code:

Up arrow key, Down arrow key

Motivation: When browsing a website with multiple links, it can be inefficient to navigate by manually typing the URL for each link. By using the arrow keys in the links command, you can easily navigate through the links on a page.

Explanation: In this use case, the Up arrow key and Down arrow key are used to navigate forwards and backwards through the links on a page. These keys are pressed while using the links command.

Example Output: Pressing the Up arrow key will move the cursor upwards to select the previous link on the page, while pressing the Down arrow key will move the cursor downwards to select the next link. This allows you to easily navigate through the available links without typing their URLs manually.

Use Case 5: Go forwards and backwards one page

Code:

Left arrow key, Right arrow key

Motivation: While browsing a website, you may need to navigate back to a previous page or move forward to another page. The links command allows you to do this easily using the arrow keys.

Explanation: In this use case, the Left arrow key and Right arrow key are used to go backwards and forwards one page respectively. These keys are pressed while using the links command.

Example Output: Pressing the Left arrow key will go back to the previous page, while pressing the Right arrow key will move forward to the next page. This allows you to navigate through the website’s content without using the browser’s back and forward buttons.

Use Case 6: Exit

Code:

q then y

Motivation: Once you have finished browsing a website using the links command, you need to exit the command-line web browser. Knowing how to exit the browser is essential to return to the command line interface.

Explanation: In this use case, the q key is pressed to initiate the exit process, and then the y key is pressed to confirm the exit. These keys are typed in the links command interface.

Example Output: After typing q and then y, the links command will exit and you will return to the command line interface. This allows you to continue with other commands or tasks in the command line environment.