How to Use the Command 'notify-send' (with examples)

The notify-send command serves as a crucial tool for generating visual notifications from the command line on Linux systems. It utilizes the current desktop environment’s notification infrastructure to deliver brief messages, alerts, or reminders to the user. The flexibility of notify-send makes it a valuable utility for app developers, IT professionals, and even casual users looking for a convenient method to stay informed or alerted by their system.

Use Case 1: Showing a Simple Notification

Code:

notify-send "Test" "This is a test"

Motivation: This use case is particularly useful when you want to create a simple notification without additional customization. Imagine that you are running a script, and upon its completion, you wish to notify the user of its successful execution. This basic notification would provide an effective, non-intrusive message to indicate the script’s status.

Explanation:

• "Test": This is the title of the notification. It gives the notification context and immediately communicates the general purpose of the alert to the user.
• "This is a test": This is the body of the notification providing a more detailed message about the nature of the notification. It can include any information that the user needs to be aware of.

Example Output: A small popup message will appear on the screen displaying:

• Title: “Test”
• Message: “This is a test”

Use Case 2: Showing a Notification with a Custom Icon

Code:

notify-send -i icon.png "Test" "This is a test"

Motivation: This scenario is ideal for when you want to include a visual element to make a notification stand out or provide more context. For instance, if your notification is related to a specific application or type of alert, using a custom icon can help the user quickly identify the source or type of notification.

Explanation:

• -i icon.png: This specifies the icon file to be used in the notification. The -i option adds a visual component that represents the notification graphically.
• "Test": The notification’s title remains the same as in the previous example.
• "This is a test": The detailed message of the notification remains unchanged.

Example Output: A notification popup will appear with:

• Custom Icon: The specified image from “icon.png”
• Title: “Test”
• Message: “This is a test”

Use Case 3: Showing a Notification for a Specific Duration

Code:

notify-send -t 5000 "Test" "This is a test"

Motivation: This is beneficial when you need a notification to be visible for a longer or shorter duration than the default. Users may require more time to read and comprehend the message, particularly if it contains critical information or instructions. In this example, the notification will be displayed for 5 seconds.

Explanation:

• -t 5000: Specifies the time in milliseconds for how long the notification should appear on the screen. In this case, 5000 milliseconds equals 5 seconds.
• "Test": The notification title.
• "This is a test": The body of the notification.

Example Output: A standard notification popup will appear on the screen for 5 seconds, displaying:

• Title: “Test”
• Message: “This is a test”

Use Case 4: Showing a Notification with an App’s Icon and Name

Code:

notify-send "Test" --icon=google-chrome --app-name="Google Chrome"

Motivation: In instances where a notification is sent from a specific application, it is advantageous for users to know the origin of the alert. Associating an app’s icon and name with the notification enhances the user’s ability to quickly recognize and prioritize the notification based on the app it’s related to.

Explanation:

• "Test": The notification title.
• --icon=google-chrome: This uses the app’s specific icon instead of a generic or custom one. It is useful in aligning the notification visually with the application it represents.
• --app-name="Google Chrome": This identifies the application responsible for the notification, offering clearer context and a professional appearance.

Example Output: A notification will appear on the screen, showcasing:

• App Icon: Google Chrome’s icon
• Title: “Test”
• Message: “This is a test”

Conclusion:

The notify-send command is a versatile tool allowing users to send notifications with varying levels of customization, from simple text alerts to those featuring app-specific icons and titles. These examples illustrate the command’s utility in improving user experience by delivering timely and context-aware notifications, making it integral for personal use as well as for specialized professional needs.