How to use the command pbmtogem (with examples)

pbmtogem is a command that allows users to convert a PBM image into a compressed GEM .img file. It is part of the Netpbm toolkit and is used for image conversion and manipulation. The command takes a PBM image as input and produces a compressed GEM .img file as output. However, it cannot compress repeated lines in the image.

Use case 1: Convert a PBM image into a GEM .img file

Code:

pbmtogem path/to/file.pbm > path/to/file.img

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to convert a PBM image file into a compressed GEM .img file. This can be particularly helpful when working with legacy systems or using software that only supports GEM .img files.

Explanation:

• pbmtogem is the command itself.
• path/to/file.pbm is the path to the input PBM image file that you want to convert.
• > is the output redirection operator that directs the output of the command to a file.
• path/to/file.img is the desired path and filename for the output GEM .img file.

Example output: The PBM image file will be converted into a compressed GEM .img file and saved at the specified path and filename.

Use case 2: Suppress all informational messages

Code:

pbmtogem -quiet

Motivation: Sometimes, when working with commands, it can be helpful to suppress informational messages to keep the output clean and focused. This is especially useful when scripting or automating tasks where unnecessary messages can clutter the output.

Explanation:

• pbmtogem is the command itself.
• -quiet is an argument that tells the command to suppress all informational messages.

Example output: The command will execute silently, without displaying any informational messages.

Use case 3: Display version

Code:

pbmtogem -version

Motivation: It’s always good to know the version of the software you are using, especially for troubleshooting or compatibility purposes. By displaying the version, you can ensure that you are using the correct version and that any issues you may encounter are not related to outdated software.

Explanation:

• pbmtogem is the command itself.
• -version is an argument that tells the command to display the version information.

Example output: The command will output the version information, including the version number of the pbmtogem command being used.

Conclusion:

The pbmtogem command provides a straightforward way to convert PBM image files into compressed GEM .img files. It offers options to suppress informational messages and display version information. Knowing how to use these different use cases can enhance your efficiency and productivity when working with PBM images and GEM .img files.