How to use the command lprm (with examples)

The lprm command is used to cancel or remove print jobs that are queued on a server. It is a part of the Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS) and is typically used in a Linux or Unix environment. The command allows users to cancel specific print jobs, cancel all jobs, or cancel the current job on a default printer. In this article, we will explore various use cases of the lprm command along with their code, motivation, explanation, and example output.

Use case 1: Cancel current job on the default printer

Code:

lprm

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to cancel the current print job on your default printer. By executing this command, the print job will be removed from the queue, preventing it from being printed.

Explanation: The command lprm without any arguments cancels the current print job on the default printer. It assumes the default printer specified in the system configuration.

Example output:

lprm: removing job 123

Use case 2: Cancel a job of a specific server

Code:

lprm -h server[:port] job_id

Motivation: There may be scenarios where you need to cancel a specific print job of a printer that is hosted on another server. This use case allows you to specify the server and port to connect to and cancel the job using its job ID.

Explanation: By using the -h flag followed by the server address and an optional port number, you can connect to a specific server to cancel a print job. The job_id parameter represents the identification number of the print job that you want to cancel.

Example output:

lprm: removing job 456 on server example.com

Use case 3: Cancel multiple jobs with an encrypted connection to the server

Code:

lprm -E job_id1 job_id2 ...

Motivation: When there are multiple print jobs in the queue that need to be canceled, this use case allows you to specify multiple job IDs at once and remove them from the server.

Explanation: The -E flag enables an encrypted (secure) connection to the server, ensuring that the print jobs are removed securely. You can specify multiple job IDs separated by spaces to cancel multiple print jobs simultaneously.

Example output:

lprm: removing job 789
lprm: removing job 890

Use case 4: Cancel all jobs

Code:

lprm -

Motivation: Canceling all print jobs at once can be useful in scenarios where there are many pending print jobs in the queue, and you want to clear them all.

Explanation: When a hyphen (-) is provided as an argument, the lprm command cancels all the print jobs in the queue, removing them from the server.

Example output:

lprm: removing job 123
lprm: removing job 456
lprm: removing job 789

Use case 5: Cancel the current job of a specific printer or class

Code:

lprm -P destination[/instance]

Motivation: Sometimes, you may need to cancel the current job on a specific printer or class, which refers to a group of printers. This use case allows you to specify the destination printer or class and remove the print job from its queue.

Explanation: By using the -P flag followed by the destination and an optional instance, you can cancel the current print job on a specific printer or class. The destination represents the name of the printer or class.

Example output:

lprm: removing job 234 on printer LaserJet-Pro-M402dn

Conclusion:

The lprm command is a powerful tool for canceling print jobs in a Linux or Unix environment. Whether you need to cancel the current job, specific print jobs on a server, or all jobs, the lprm command provides the flexibility to manage the print queue effectively. By understanding the different use cases and their associated code, motivation, explanation, and example outputs, you can efficiently utilize the lprm command for your printing needs.