How to Use the Command 'w3m' (with examples)

w3m is a text-based web browser that offers a lightweight alternative to graphical web browsers. Its minimal interface caters to users wanting quick navigation through web pages, even in environments where graphical interfaces aren’t available, like on servers accessed via Secure Shell (SSH). w3m supports SSL, mouse input, and tabbed browsing, embodying powerful features for users who need to access the web from the command line.

Open a URL

Code:

w3m https://example.com

Motivation:
Opening a URL with w3m allows users to quickly access web content in environments where graphical browsers are not feasible, such as on remote servers or low-resource systems. This can be particularly useful for programmers, system administrators, or anyone needing rapid access to web-based documentation or web applications.

Explanation:

• w3m: Invokes the w3m browser.
• https://example.com: Specifies the URL you wish to visit. You can replace example.com with any URL you wish to access.

Example Output:
Upon running this command, the content of the specified webpage (https://example.com) will be displayed in a text-based format within your terminal, allowing you to navigate through the text using keyboard shortcuts.

Open a URL in Monochrome Mode

Code:

w3m https://example.com -M

Motivation:
While browsing, users might want to disable color to reduce visual distractions or accommodate accessibility needs. Monochrome mode is beneficial when color does not add value to the information being presented.

Explanation:

• -M: The flag used to enable monochrome mode. It strips away all color, rendering text in a uniform grayscale.

Example Output:
The webpage https://example.com will render in shades of gray instead of colors, providing a clutter-free viewing experience.

Open a URL without Mouse Support

Code:

w3m https://example.com -no-mouse

Motivation:
Disabling mouse support can be helpful in situations where keyboard navigation is preferred or required, such as environments without mouse support or when scripting interactions that rely solely on keyboard shortcuts.

Explanation:

• -no-mouse: Disables mouse support, allowing navigation to be controlled exclusively via the keyboard, enhancing focus on text-based content.

Example Output:
You will see the text-based content of https://example.com, and you will have to use keyboard navigation commands to move through the page.

Open a New Browser Tab

Code:

<Shift> + T

Motivation:
The ability to open a new tab allows users to multitask and view multiple web pages simultaneously, enhancing productivity by minimizing the need to close and reopen pages frequently.

Explanation:

• <Shift> + T: This key combination assists in opening a new tab within the same browser session, enabling you to access multiple web pages at once.

Example Output:
When executing <Shift> + T, a new w3m tab opens, allowing you to navigate to another webpage without leaving your current page.

Display Your Browser History

Code:

<Ctrl> + H

Motivation:
Viewing browser history is essential for revisiting previously accessed pages without recalling the specific URLs. It’s especially useful when needing to return to recently visited documentation or articles for reference.

Explanation:

• <Ctrl> + H: The key shortcut used to display the list of URLs you have visited in your current session, providing quick access to your browsing history.

Example Output:
A list of URLs that represent your browsing history will be shown, allowing you to select and return to any previously viewed pages.

Quit w3m

Code:

q + y

Motivation:
The quitting command allows users to exit the w3m browser quickly when finished with their browsing tasks. This ensures efficient use of system resources and allows users to continue with other tasks in the terminal.

Explanation:

• q: The initial command to quit.
• y: Confirms the quit action, ensuring you do not accidentally close the browser without saving your important tasks or tabs.

Example Output:
Upon inputting q + y, the w3m browser will close, bringing you back to the command-line interface.

Conclusion:

Using w3m is a great way to interact with the web directly from the terminal. Each feature—from monochrome mode to tabbed browsing—enhances the text-based browsing experience, providing accessibility and efficiency where graphical browsers might not be suitable. Whether for necessity or preference, w3m’s command-line options empower users to make the most of their text-based web browsing.