How to Use the Nautilus Command (with Examples)

Nautilus, widely known as the GNOME Files, is the default file manager for the GNOME desktop environment. Designed to provide a user-friendly way to manage files and directories, it is packed with a range of options that cater to different user needs. Unlike traditional command-line utilities, Nautilus provides a graphical interface, making file management intuitive even for beginners. With the command nautilus, users can launch this graphical file manager, open specific directories, select files, and even operate under administrative privileges. Below, we explore various use cases of the Nautilus command to illustrate its versatility.

Use case 1: Launch Nautilus

Code:

nautilus

Motivation:

The most straightforward use of Nautilus is simply launching the file manager. Whether you’re a developer, general user, or system administrator, you’ll often need to open and browse files on your machine. By executing this command, you open the Nautilus window, providing a visual view of your files and directories, allowing you to organize, view, or modify them with ease.

Explanation:

The command nautilus without any additional arguments will open the default directory (usually, the Home directory of the user) in the Nautilus file manager GUI. This default behavior is designed to provide quick access to the user’s most frequently accessed files.

Example Output:

Upon executing the command, the Nautilus application window opens, displaying the contents of the Home directory with options to view and manage files.

Use case 2: Launch Nautilus as Root User

Code:

nautilus admin:/

Motivation:

There are times when you need elevated privileges to modify or view certain files and directories. This is common in system administration tasks where configuration files or system directories are involved. Using Nautilus with root access grants you the permissions needed to perform such operations directly through the graphical interface, reducing the need to remember complex command-line instructions.

Explanation:

The command nautilus admin:/ uses the admin: URI scheme, which prompts the system to request administrative privileges. This allows Nautilus to open with root-level permissions, so you can manage system files that are otherwise read-only for normal users.

Example Output:

Executing the command opens Nautilus with administrative permissions, usually after prompting for a password. The interface will look the same as regular Nautilus, but you can now edit or move files in directories that require root access.

Use case 3: Launch Nautilus and Display a Specific Directory

Code:

nautilus path/to/directory

Motivation:

Sometimes you need to quickly access a specific directory without having to navigate through the file manager manually. This use case is particularly helpful when you frequently work with certain directories, as it saves time and improves efficiency by directly opening the desired path in Nautilus.

Explanation:

By providing a specific path path/to/directory as an argument to the nautilus command, the file manager launches and directly navigates to the specified location. This bypasses the default directory loading behavior, allowing immediate access to the targeted content.

Example Output:

The Nautilus window opens, directly displaying the contents of path/to/directory, ready for file management tasks.

Use case 4: Launch Nautilus with a Specific File or Directory Selected

Code:

nautilus --select path/to/file_or_directory

Motivation:

When dealing with large directories with many files, finding a particular file or directory quickly can be challenging. Using the --select option is advantageous in these scenarios as it opens the target directory with the desired file or directory pre-selected, drawing immediate attention to it.

Explanation:

The --select argument tells Nautilus to not only open the directory containing path/to/file_or_directory but also to highlight or focus on the specific file or directory. This functionality is particularly beneficial for users who need to perform a specific action on a file or directory.

Example Output:

The Nautilus window opens with the specified file or directory highlighted within its containing directory, making it visible and ready for further action like renaming, copying, or editing.

Use case 5: Launch Nautilus in a Separated Window

Code:

nautilus --new-window

Motivation:

When working with files, it is often necessary to view contents of multiple directories simultaneously. Using the --new-window argument allows users to open an additional instance of Nautilus, displaying the file manager in a new window. This can aid in multitasking, such as when comparing files or organizing files between two directories.

Explanation:

The --new-window flag explicitly instructs Nautilus to open the file manager in a new application window, regardless of whether an existing Nautilus window is open. This avoids replacing the currently open directory view and enhances productivity by supporting multitasking.

Example Output:

A new Nautilus window opens, showing the contents of the default directory, while any other instances remain open and unaltered.

Use case 6: Close all Nautilus Instances

Code:

nautilus --quit

Motivation:

Managing system resources and reducing clutter can sometimes require closing applications no longer needed. Rather than manually closing each open Nautilus window, using the --quit option conveniently closes all Nautilus instances currently running on the system.

Explanation:

The --quit argument sends a command to close all running Nautilus processes. This approach is efficient when you have multiple instances open and want to close them all quickly without navigating to each one individually.

Example Output:

All Nautilus application windows close, terminating any active file manager processes.

Use case 7: Display Help

Code:

nautilus --help

Motivation:

Understanding the full capabilities of Nautilus through its available options and commands becomes easier when accessing its help documentation. The --help option is especially useful for new users or those needing to explore additional functionality or troubleshoot issues.

Explanation:

When the --help argument is appended to the nautilus command, it prompts Nautilus to display a comprehensive list of options and commands along with brief descriptions. This displays directly in the terminal, serving as a quick reference or learning tool.

Example Output:

The terminal shows a list of available Nautilus command options and their usage, serving as a manual or guide to effectively utilizing the tool.

Conclusion:

Nautilus is a versatile tool that simplifies file management tasks for users within the GNOME desktop environment. By utilizing the various options and functionalities explored in this article, users can harness its full potential, whether they are performing basic file browsing, accessing files with administrative privileges, or managing multiple directories. Understanding and effectively using these use cases can significantly enhance productivity and ease of use in file management tasks.