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

Rxvt-unicode, abbreviated as urxvt, is a highly customizable terminal emulator designed for the X window system. It offers lightweight operation, true color support, Unicode input, and various scripting capabilities. Due to its customization options, including font and color settings, urxvt is often preferred by advanced users looking to personalize their terminal experience.

Use case 1: Open a new urxvt window

Code:

urxvt

Motivation:
Opening a new terminal window is a fundamental operation. Whether you’re a programmer, system administrator, or an everyday computer user, having multiple terminal windows helps in multitasking. urxvt stands out with its ability to open swiftly and consume fewer system resources than some other terminal emulators, making it an excellent choice for users who value efficiency.

Explanation:
The command urxvt without any arguments launches a new instance of the urxvt terminal. This command simply leverages the default settings of urxvt and provides users a fresh terminal window ready for input. There are no additional arguments or options here, which is perfect for users who need a basic terminal session quickly.

Example Output:
When executed, a new urxvt terminal window will open, awaiting further commands from the user. The appearance and behavior of this terminal depend on user-specific configuration files.

Use case 2: Run in a specific directory

Code:

urxvt -cd path/to/directory

Motivation:
Sometimes, users need to start their terminal sessions in a specific directory to save time navigating through the filesystem. This is particularly helpful for developers working on projects, as they can quickly access the relevant files and scripts within a given directory.

Explanation:

• -cd: This argument tells urxvt to change the starting directory of the new terminal window.
• path/to/directory: Replace this placeholder with the actual path to the desired start directory. It sets the working directory for the session initiated by urxvt.

Example Output:
Upon executing this command, a new urxvt window will open, with the working directory set to path/to/directory. Users can immediately start working in the specified directory.

Use case 3: Run a command in a new urxvt window

Code:

urxvt -e command

Motivation:
Running specific commands directly when opening a terminal can streamline workflows, reducing the need for manual input. This scenario is useful when users want to perform repetitive tasks or execute system configurations right as the terminal session opens.

Explanation:

• -e: This option is followed by the command you want urxvt to execute. The -e flag specifies that the terminal emulator should run the provided command instead of starting a shell.
• command: This should be replaced by the actual command you want to execute upon opening the terminal.

Example Output:
Executing this command will open a new urxvt window where the specified command is running. For instance, if the command was ls, the terminal would display the contents of the directory immediately before exiting.

Use case 4: Run a command and keep the window open

Code:

urxvt --hold -e command

Motivation:
A common issue when executing commands that complete quickly is that the terminal window closes immediately, making it difficult to see output or errors. Using the --hold option is useful to see and analyze the command’s result, especially for debugging purposes.

Explanation:

• --hold: This argument stops the terminal from closing automatically after the command finishes, allowing the user to review the output.
• -e command: As before, this specifies the command to execute upon opening the terminal.

Example Output:
The urxvt window will open, execute the command, and instead of closing, it will remain open showing the output or any error messages generated.

Use case 5: Run a command within the sh shell

Code:

urxvt -e sh -c command

Motivation:
Sometimes it’s necessary to run a specific command within the context of a shell script or with specific shell options. This setup is particularly beneficial when you need shell features or environment settings not available in other contexts.

Explanation:

• -e sh -c: This tells urxvt to execute the positional arguments as a command list. Using sh for the shell and -c for the command ensures that it’s interpreted in the context of a shell.
• command: Replace this with the desired command, which the sh shell will interpret and execute.

Example Output:
A new urxvt window will open, running the command within the sh shell environment. This setup is ideal for ensuring commands are executed with the expected shell behavior.

Conclusion:

urxvt offers versatile and efficient terminal operations that address a variety of user needs. Whether you’re opening a terminal, executing commands in specific contexts, or keeping the terminal open for result inspection, urxvt provides efficient options to enhance productivity and workflow customization.