How to use the command "loadkeys" (with examples)

Loadkeys is a command used to load the kernel keymap for the console. It allows users to define the keymap layout used by the keyboard.

Use case 1: Load a default keymap

Code:

loadkeys --default

Motivation: This command is used to load the default keymap for the console.

Explanation: The “–default” argument is used to specify that the default keymap should be loaded.

Example output: The default keymap is loaded onto the console.

Use case 2: Load default keymap when an unusual keymap is loaded and “-” sign cannot be found

Code:

loadkeys defmap

Motivation: This command is useful when an unusual keymap is loaded, and the “-” sign cannot be found on the keyboard.

Explanation: The “defmap” argument is used to specify that the default keymap should be loaded in the absence of the “-” sign.

Example output: The default keymap is loaded onto the console.

Use case 3: Create a kernel source table

Code:

loadkeys --mktable

Motivation: This command is used to generate a kernel source table for the keymap.

Explanation: The “–mktable” argument is used to instruct loadkeys to create a kernel source table.

Example output: A kernel source table is created.

Use case 4: Create a binary keymap

Code:

loadkeys --bkeymap

Motivation: This command is used to create a binary keymap.

Explanation: The “–bkeymap” argument is used to specify that a binary keymap should be created.

Example output: A binary keymap is generated.

Use case 5: Search and parse keymap without action

Code:

loadkeys --parse

Motivation: This command is used to search and parse the keymap without taking any action.

Explanation: The “–parse” argument is used to instruct loadkeys to search and parse the keymap.

Example output: The keymap is searched and parsed without performing any action.

Use case 6: Load the keymap suppressing all output

Code:

loadkeys --quiet

Motivation: This command is used when loading the keymap, but you want to suppress all output.

Explanation: The “–quiet” argument is used to instruct loadkeys to suppress all output.

Example output: The keymap is loaded silently without any output.

Use case 7: Load a keymap from the specified file for the console

Code:

loadkeys --console /dev/ttyN /path/to/file

Motivation: This command is used to load a specific keymap from a specified file for the console.

Explanation: The “–console” argument is used to specify the console device, “/dev/ttyN” represents a specific console, and “/path/to/file” represents the path to the keymap file.

Example output: The keymap from the specified file is loaded onto the specified console.

Use case 8: Use standard names for keymaps of different locales

Code:

loadkeys --console /dev/ttyN uk

Motivation: This command is used to load a keymap with standard names for different locales.

Explanation: The “–console” argument is used to specify the console device, “/dev/ttyN” represents a specific console, and “uk” represents the standard name of the keymap for the UK locale.

Example output: The keymap for the UK locale is loaded onto the specified console.

Conclusion:

The “loadkeys” command is a versatile tool for manipulating and loading keymaps for the console. With its wide range of use cases, it allows users to customize their keyboard layout and improve their console experience.