Using the `notmuch` command (with examples)

1: Configuring notmuch for the first use

The command notmuch setup is used to configure notmuch for the first use. This command initializes the notmuch database and sets up the necessary directories and configuration files.

notmuch setup

Motivation for using this example:

When using notmuch for the first time, it is important to set it up properly in order to ensure smooth functioning. Running notmuch setup is a necessary step to get started with notmuch.

Explanation:

The notmuch setup command initializes the notmuch database and sets up the required directories and configuration files.

Example Output:

No output will be shown in the terminal upon running this command.

2: Adding a tag for all messages matching a search term

The command notmuch tag is used to add a custom tag to all messages that match a specific search term.

notmuch tag +custom_tag "search_term"

Motivation for using this example:

By applying custom tags to messages, we can easily categorize and organize them based on our specific requirements or criteria. This can greatly facilitate searching and managing large collections of email messages.

Explanation:

The notmuch tag command is used to add a custom tag to all email messages that match a specific search term. By specifying the tag to add using +custom_tag and the search term within double quotes, we can apply the tag to the matching messages.

Example Output:

No output will be shown in the terminal upon running this command.

3: Removing a tag for all messages matching a search term

The command notmuch tag can also be used to remove a custom tag from all messages that match a specific search term.

notmuch tag -custom_tag "search_term"

Motivation for using this example:

Removing a custom tag from messages that no longer require it can help simplify and declutter the organization of email messages. It ensures that tagged messages accurately represent their current status or characteristics.

Explanation:

The notmuch tag command, when used with the - sign before the tag name (-custom_tag), removes the specified tag from all email messages matching the provided search term.

Example Output:

No output will be shown in the terminal upon running this command.

4: Counting messages matching a search term

The notmuch count command is used to count the number of email messages matching a given search term. The --output flag determines whether the count should be displayed as the number of individual messages or threads.

notmuch count --output=messages|threads "search_term"

Motivation for using this example:

Counting the number of messages matching a specific search term can provide valuable insights into the size and scope of a collection. It helps in understanding the volume of relevant email messages and aids in planning further actions.

Explanation:

The notmuch count command is used to count the number of email messages matching a given search term. By using the --output flag along with either messages or threads, we can specify whether we want the count to be displayed as the number of individual messages or threads respectively.

Example Output:

Below are examples of how the output might look for counting messages and threads:

• Counting messages: 123
• Counting threads: 45

5: Searching for messages matching a search term

The command notmuch search is used to search for email messages that match a given search term. The --format and --output flags determine the format and content to be displayed in the search results.

notmuch search --format=json|text --output=summary|threads|messages|files|tags "search_term"

Motivation for using this example:

Searching for email messages within a large collection allows us to quickly find relevant information and retrieve specific conversations. By customizing the output format and content, we can tailor the search results to our needs.

Explanation:

The notmuch search command is used to search for email messages that match a given search term. By specifying the --format flag with either json or text, we can choose the format of the output. The --output flag allows us to specify what content should be displayed in the search results. Multiple output options can be specified separated by the | character.

Example Output:

Below are examples of possible search results:

• Format: JSON

  • Output: Summary

    {
      "count": 10,
      "subject": "Example subject",
      "thread_id": "12345"
    }
    ...
    

  • Output: Messages

    {
      "count": 10,
      "messages": [
        {
          "id": "message_id_1",
          "subject": "Example subject",
          "date": "2022-01-01",
          "sender": "john@example.com",
          "recipients": ["jane@example.com"],
          ...
        },
        ...
      ]
    }
    ...
    

• Format: Text

  • Output: Summary

    10 matches found.
    ...
    

  • Output: Threads

    Thread 1: Example subject [3 messages]
    ...
    

6: Limiting the number of search results

By default, notmuch search returns all the matching results. However, with the --limit flag, we can specify the maximum number of search results to be shown.

notmuch search --format=json|text --output=summary|threads|messages|files|tags --limit=X "search_term"

Motivation for using this example:

In situations where there are a large number of search results, limiting the output to a specific number can help focus on the most relevant and recent messages. It reduces the overwhelming nature of extensive search results.

Explanation:

The notmuch search command, when used with the --limit=X flag, restricts the number of search results to a maximum of X, where X is the desired limit. The other flags, such as --format and --output, determine the format and content of the displayed search results.

Example Output:

Below are examples of possible limited search results:

• Format: JSON, Limit: 5

  • Output: Summary

    {
      "count": 5,
      "subject": "Example subject",
      "thread_id": "12345"
    }
    ...
    

  • Output: Messages

    {
      "count": 5,
      "messages": [
        {
          "id": "message_id_1",
          "subject": "Example subject",
          "date": "2022-01-01",
          "sender": "john@example.com",
          "recipients": ["jane@example.com"],
          ...
        },
        ...
      ]
    }
    ...
    

• Format: Text, Limit: 10

  • Output: Summary

    10 matches found.
    ...
    

  • Output: Threads

    Thread 1: Example subject [3 messages]
    ...
    

7: Creating a reply template for a set of messages

The notmuch reply command is used to create a reply template for a set of messages. The --format flag determines the format of the template, and the --reply-to flag specifies the sender of the reply.

notmuch reply --format=default|headers-only --reply-to=sender|all "search_term"

Motivation for using this example:

When dealing with multiple messages that require a reply, generating a reply template can save time and ensure consistency in the replies. It provides a starting point with relevant email headers for composing the response.

Explanation:

The notmuch reply command generates a reply template for a set of messages matching a specific search term. By specifying the --format flag as either default or headers-only, we can choose the format of the reply template. The --reply-to flag allows us to specify the sender to whom the reply should be addressed. The search term is provided in double quotes.

Example Output:

Below are examples of possible reply templates:

• Format: Default, Reply-To: Sender

  From: John <john@example.com>
  To: Jane <jane@example.com>
  Subject: Re: Example subject
  
  On Jan 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM, John <john@example.com> wrote:
  
  >
  >
  > -----Original Message-----
  > From: Jane <jane@example.com>
  > To: John <john@example.com>
  > Subject: Example subject
  >
  > Hi John,
  >
  > ...
  

• Format: Headers-only, Reply-To: All

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Jane <jane@example.com>
  To: John <john@example.com>
  Subject: Example subject
  Date: Jan 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM
  ...