Exploring 'links2' Command: A Command-Line Web Browser (with examples)

The links2 command is a versatile, text-based web browser that can be used directly from the command line. It’s particularly valuable for users who prefer or require a text interface for browsing the web, or for those who are using systems that do not support graphic-heavy desktop environments. Despite being text-based at its core, links2 also offers a graphics mode that allows users to view images and other graphical elements. This makes links2 a flexible tool, capable of running seamlessly on both modern and older systems, while catering to users with varying accessibility needs.

Use case 1: Visit a website in graphics mode

Code:

links2 -g https://example.com

Motivation:

Using the links2 command in graphics mode is a great solution for users who need to access web resources in a more visually rich format but still want the lightweight nature of a command-line tool. Graphical interfaces can be particularly useful when dealing with web pages heavily reliant on images, icons, and visual hierarchies, which can be crucial for understanding page layout and content. This command allows users to switch between text and graphic mode as needed, providing flexibility without the need for a fully-fledged graphical web browser that might require more system resources.

Explanation:

• links2: This is the command that initiates the links2 web browser.

• -g: This argument specifies that the links2 browser should be launched in graphics mode. The graphics mode allows for rendering of images and other visual content, not just plain text, thus simulating a more traditional graphical web browsing experience within a lightweight tool.

• https://example.com: The URL provided is the web address that the user intends to visit. In this example, https://example.com is a placeholder and can be replaced by any valid web address that the user wants to access.

Example Output:

Upon executing the command, links2 opens in a graphical window if the system’s environment supports it. Users may see a web page similar in layout and function to those viewed in standard browsers like Chrome or Firefox, complete with images and text displayed within the command-line environment. This output indicates that the graphics mode of links2 is active, providing a more enriched browsing experience while maintaining the advantages of a lightweight, text-centric tool.

Conclusion:

The links2 command, despite being a command-line-based web browser, offers flexibility and accessibility in web browsing. Whether in need of a simple text interface or requiring a more graphically enhanced view, links2 addresses both with ease, making it an essential tool for those in varying computational environments. Its graphic mode use case highlights the ability to handle both text and image content, ensuring users do not have to compromise on the browsing experience even without a traditional graphical user interface.