How to use the command 'spotify' (with examples)

The ‘spotify’ command is a command-line interface (CLI) tool that allows users to interact with Spotify directly from their terminal. Developed as an open-source tool, this command-line interface provides an efficient way to control your Spotify playlist without needing to navigate through the graphical user interface of the Spotify app. This tool is especially useful for those who prefer working in a terminal environment, allowing seamless music control alongside coding and other activities. The CLI tool supports various functionalities, from playing specific songs by name to adjusting the volume, making it an invaluable addition to terminal aficionados who also love music.

Use case 1: Find a song by name and play it

Code:

spotify play song_name

Motivation:
Imagine you’re in the middle of a coding session or working on a project, and you suddenly have a craving for a specific song. Minimizing your coding environment to switch to the Spotify app might disrupt your workflow. Using a simple command allows you to quickly play that song without breaking concentration.

Explanation:

• spotify: The primary command to invoke the Spotify CLI interface. It signifies that the following instructions pertain to Spotify actions.
• play: This argument tells the CLI that you want to start playing a song.
• song_name: This is a placeholder for the actual name of the song you want to play. The CLI then searches for the song in Spotify’s library and plays it.

Example output:

Playing "Enter Sandman" by Metallica

Use case 2: Find a playlist by name and play it

Code:

spotify play list playlist_name

Motivation:
Playlists are a convenient way to enjoy a curated collection of songs. Suppose you’ve created a “Chill Vibes” playlist for unwinding after a long day. Instead of manually searching for this playlist, a simple command can queue up your preferred tracks instantly.

Explanation:

• spotify: Calls the Spotify CLI tool.
• play: Indicates the action to start playing.
• list: Specifies that you are looking to play a playlist.
• playlist_name: Replace this with the name of your playlist. The tool will search and play the playlist if it finds a match.

Example output:

Playing playlist "Chill Vibes"

Use case 3: Pause (or resume) playback

Code:

spotify pause

Motivation:
There are times when your music playback needs to be briefly halted, such as when you receive a phone call or when someone walks into your office. A quick command can pause your music, and when you’re ready, the same command resumes it, making this operation highly efficient.

Explanation:

• spotify: Initiates the command-line interface.
• pause: Tells Spotify to either pause what’s currently playing or resume it if it was already paused. It essentially acts as a toggle switch for pausing and resuming playback.

Example output:

Playback paused

Use case 4: Skip to the next song in a playlist

Code:

spotify next

Motivation:
While listening to a playlist, you may encounter a track that doesn’t quite match your current mood. Rather than navigating away from what you’re doing to click a button, a simple command allows you to skip to the next track swiftly.

Explanation:

• spotify: Accesses the Spotify CLI.
• next: Directs Spotify to advance to the next song in the currently active playlist.

Example output:

Skipped to the next song: "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica

Use case 5: Change volume

Code:

spotify vol up|down|value

Motivation:
Whether a sudden loud track interrupts your work environment or a soft track needs a volume boost, quickly adjusting the sound level is crucial. The CLI allows you to control the volume without interrupting your workflow.

Explanation:

• spotify: Starts the CLI tool.
• vol: Is short for volume, signifying that you intend to adjust the sound levels.
• up|down|value: Specifies the volume adjustment. ‘up’ will increase, ‘down’ will decrease, and ‘value’ can be replaced with a specific number to set the volume directly.

Example output:

Volume increased to 65

Use case 6: Show the playback status and song details

Code:

spotify status

Motivation:
When you’re working or focusing on a task and want to quickly know what’s currently playing or the playback status (playing, paused, etc.), this command provides this information directly in the terminal, without the need to open the Spotify app.

Explanation:

• spotify: Accesses the Spotify command-line interface.
• status: Requests information about the current playback status, including details about the song, artist, and position in the track.

Example output:

Currently playing: "Unforgiven" by Metallica
Position: 1:45 / 6:27

Conclusion:

The Spotify command-line tool is a powerful enhancement for those who thrive in the terminal environment and wish to integrate their music-listening habits seamlessly with their work. It allows versatile control over Spotify without leaving the terminal, providing a streamlined workflow. Each of the use cases outlined demonstrates the practicality and efficiency this tool can bring to managing one’s listening experience. Whether you’re coding, writing, or engaged in any terminal-based activity, the Spotify CLI can make your music just a command away.