How to use the command 's' for web searches from the terminal (with examples)
The command ’s’ is a terminal-based utility designed to facilitate web searches directly from the command line interface (CLI). It offers a streamlined way for users to perform quick searches on their preferred search platform without the need to open a web browser first. This can significantly enhance productivity for those who spend much of their time in the command line environment. The software supports multiple providers, allowing users to customize their search experience according to their preferences.
Search for a query on Google (default provider)
Code:
s query
Motivation:
The primary reason for using the command s query is its ability to execute quick web searches without leaving the terminal environment. For developers, system administrators, or any power users who rely heavily on the command line, this functionality can reduce the disruption associated with context switching between a terminal and a web browser. The default search provider is Google, which is one of the most widely used search engines. It offers the convenience of triggering a Google web search without the need for additional arguments.
Explanation:
s: This is the command itself, signaling the use of the terminal-based search tool.query: This represents the term or set of terms the user wishes to search for on Google.
Example Output:
Upon executing the above command, a new tab in the user’s default web browser opens with the Google results page corresponding to the specified query. For instance, if the query was “open source projects,” Google would display search results relevant to open source projects.
List all providers
Code:
s --list-providers
Motivation:
Users seeking to learn about all the available search providers can employ this use case. Knowing the supported providers empowers users to choose the most appropriate service for their search needs, which might range from general searches with Google to more specific queries on sites like Wikipedia or Amazon.
Explanation:
s: Invokes the command.--list-providers: This flag requests the utility to display a list of all available search engines or providers that the tool supports.
Example Output:
Executing this command generates a list of search providers supported by the ’s’ command, such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Wikipedia, Amazon, and others, depending on the configuration of the utility.
Search for a query with a given provider
Code:
s --provider provider query
Motivation:
The use case s --provider provider query caters to individuals who prefer search results from a specific provider other than Google. This feature is especially beneficial for those conducting research in niche domains, where different providers may offer more specialized or relevant results, such as looking up scholarly articles through a university’s database or shopping on Amazon.
Explanation:
s: The command for performing a web search.--provider provider: This argument allows you to specify the search provider you wish to use. For instance, if you want to search using Bing, you would replace ‘provider’ with ‘bing.’query: This is the set of keywords you wish to search for.
Example Output:
If the input was s --provider bing climate change, the command opens a Bing search results page for “climate change” in the default web browser.
Use a specified binary to perform the search query
Code:
s --binary "binary arguments" query
Motivation:
Some users may require a customized method for performing web searches using specific binaries and their accompanying arguments. This use case provides an advanced level of flexibility, allowing processes or scripts to automate searches in environments where the standard method of opening a browser is sub-optimal, such as in server-side scripting or within automated pipeline tasks.
Explanation:
s: Calls the search command.--binary "binary arguments": Specifies the use of a custom binary along with its required arguments to carry out the search. This might involve using non-standard browser binaries or customized scripts.query: Indicates the search phrase or terms to input into the custom binary for searching.
Example Output:
For an input such as s --binary "curl https://www.bing.com/search?q=" concert tickets, the ‘curl’ command becomes the binary performing the search, resulting in command line output displaying the HTML content of the Bing search results for “concert tickets.”
Conclusion:
The ’s’ command is a powerful utility for performing web searches from within the terminal, providing a range of search options and customization for users who prefer or require command line operations. Whether automating searches, quickly switching between providers, or expanding their web search toolkit, the functionality available through the ’s’ command can efficiently meet user needs, minimizing the need for traditional browser-based searches and potentially increasing workflow productivity.
