How to use the command 'mate-about' (with examples)

The mate-about command is a straightforward yet powerful tool specifically designed for users of the MATE desktop environment. This command provides detailed information about the MATE desktop, including its version. It is especially useful for those who need quick access to versioning details without diving deep into the system settings. Additionally, it is beneficial for troubleshooting, ensuring compatibility, or simply verifying which version of MATE is in use.

Use case 1: Display MATE version

Code:

mate-about --version

Motivation:

Knowing the exact version of the MATE desktop environment installed on your system is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you identify if your system is running the latest version or if an update is needed. This is crucial for maintaining the security and stability of your environment. Furthermore, when debugging issues or seeking help from the community, providing the version number can lead to more precise assistance. Lastly, understanding the version can also assist in verifying compatibility with third-party applications or extensions.

Explanation:

• mate-about: This is the base command used to interact with the MATE about interface.
• --version: This argument is a flag that tells the mate-about command to display the version of the MATE desktop environment. The --version flag is a common convention among command-line utilities to provide version information quickly and efficiently.

Example output:

MATE Desktop Environment 1.26.0

In this example output, the command reveals that the system is running version 1.26.0 of the MATE Desktop Environment. This simple line of output provides a direct answer to the inquiry about which version is currently installed, enabling the user to proceed with their tasks with the necessary context.

Conclusion:

The mate-about command serves as a user-friendly utility within the MATE desktop environment, providing essential version information swiftly. This tool is invaluable for any user who needs to check their MATE version for maintenance, troubleshooting, or compatibility purposes. By using mate-about --version, users can easily obtain the version details without navigating through complex menus or settings. Whether you’re administering a system, developing applications, or simply keeping your software up-to-date, knowing how to use the mate-about command adds an important tool to your repertoire for managing the MATE desktop environment.