How to Use the Command 'lpmove' (with Examples)

The lpmove command is a powerful tool in Unix-based systems, especially when managing printing tasks across different printers. This command provides flexibility and control over printing jobs, allowing users to transfer jobs between printers seamlessly. The functionality offered by lpmove ensures that printing tasks remain efficient, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity in environments where printing needs may change dynamically.

Use Case 1: Move a Specific Job to new_printer

Code:

lpmove job_id new_printer

Motivation:
In a busy office or production environment, printers may often become overloaded, leading to queues and delays in printing jobs. By using this command, one can alleviate such issues by moving a specific job from an overloaded printer to another with less traffic. This ensures that important documents are printed promptly without waiting for the queue to clear.

Explanation:

• job_id: This specifies the unique identifier of the printing job you want to move. Every print job in a queue is assigned a job ID that distinguishes it from others.
• new_printer: This parameter is the destination printer where the job will be moved. It’s essential to have the printer name configured on the network or local system so that it can accept print jobs.

Example Output:
Moving print job 12345 to ‘OfficePrinter’…

Use Case 2: Move a Job from old_printer to new_printer

Code:

lpmove old_printer-job_id new_printer

Motivation:
Sometimes, a printer might require maintenance or becomes temporarily out of service, but there are jobs still pending in its queue. This command allows users to specify not just the job but also the printer from which it is being transferred. This specificity is crucial for office environments with multiple printers, where clarity about job movement ensures the users know exactly which job and printer are involved.

Explanation:

• old_printer-job_id: Combines the current printer holding the job and the job’s ID, meaning you target a specific job in the old_printer queue for transfer.
• new_printer: The printer name that will handle the transferred job henceforth.

Example Output:
Successfully moved job 12345 from ‘OldPrinter’ to ‘NewPrinter’.

Use Case 3: Move All Jobs from old_printer to new_printer

Code:

lpmove old_printer new_printer

Motivation:
During periods of printer downtime or when a machine needs to be serviced, all pending jobs remain stuck, causing work to back up. Instead of resubmitting all jobs, this command acts as an efficient solution to transfer the entire load to an available printer, allowing continuity of work with minimal intervention.

Explanation:

• old_printer: Indicates the source printer from which all jobs will be moved.
• new_printer: The target printer that will take over all the jobs queued in the source printer.

Example Output:
All jobs moved from ‘OldPrinter’ to ‘NewPrinter’.

Use Case 4: Move a Specific Job to new_printer on a Specific Server

Code:

lpmove -h server job_id new_printer

Motivation:
In networked environments, especially with remote servers managing print solutions, it’s vital to have the capacity to perform job transfers across different servers. This function is particularly useful for businesses with centralized servers handling printing for multiple branch offices.

Explanation:

• -h server: Specifies the server’s hostname that is managing the current print job queue. This inclusion ensures you’re interacting with the remote server hosting the jobs rather than defaulting to a local context.
• job_id: As before, the specific job identifier that needs to be moved.
• new_printer: The destination printer’s name on the specified server.

Example Output:
Job 12345 moved to ‘RemotePrinter’ on server ‘printserver.enterprise.com’.

Conclusion:

The lpmove command is an essential utility for anyone managing multiple printers in dynamic environments. By understanding and utilizing its various functions, users can ensure that their printing workflow remains fast, efficient, and adaptable to any unexpected circumstances that may arise. Whether it’s redistributing print jobs during peak hours, shifting load due to machine maintenance, or configuring tasks across a networked system, lpmove offers the necessary control to maintain smooth operations.