How to use the command w3m (with examples)
w3m is a text-based web browser that allows you to browse websites and view them within the command line interface. It supports SSL and mouse input, making it a versatile tool even when accessed remotely over SSH. In this article, we will explore various use cases of the w3m command.
Use case 1: Open a URL
Code:
w3m https://example.com
Motivation: The command w3m https://example.com opens the specified URL (https://example.com) in the w3m browser. This is useful when you want to browse a website without leaving the command line interface. It can be especially handy for quickly referencing documentation or checking the content of a webpage without the need for a graphical web browser.
Example output: The webpage at https://example.com will be displayed in the w3m browser interface.
Use case 2: Open a URL in monochrome mode
Code:
w3m https://example.com -M
Motivation: The -M argument in the command w3m https://example.com -M tells w3m to display the webpage in monochrome mode, which means it will only use black and white colors without any additional formatting or styling. This can be useful when you prefer a simpler and less distracting browsing experience without any images or fancy design elements.
Example output: The webpage at https://example.com will be displayed in monochrome mode, with black and white colors only, and without any additional formatting.
Use case 3: Open a URL without mouse support
Code:
w3m https://example.com -no-mouse
Motivation: The -no-mouse argument in the command w3m https://example.com -no-mouse disables mouse support in the w3m browser. This can be useful when you are using w3m over a remote SSH connection and don’t have access to a mouse. By disabling mouse support, you can navigate the webpage solely using keyboard inputs.
Example output: The webpage at https://example.com will be displayed without mouse support, requiring you to navigate using keyboard inputs.
Use case 4: Open a new browser tab
Code:
Shift + T
Motivation: Pressing Shift + T within the w3m browser opens a new tab, allowing you to have multiple websites open simultaneously. This feature is convenient when you want to switch between different webpages without losing your current browsing state.
Example output: A new browser tab will open, displaying a blank page.
Use case 5: Display your browser history
Code:
Ctrl + H
Motivation: Pressing Ctrl + H within the w3m browser displays your browsing history. This can be useful when you want to quickly revisit a webpage you previously viewed or navigate backward through your browsing history.
Example output: The browser history will be displayed, showing the URLs of previously visited webpages.
Use case 6: Quit w3m
Code:
'q' followed by 'y'
Motivation: Typing ‘q’ followed by ‘y’ in the w3m browser quits the browser. This is useful when you are done browsing and want to return to the command line interface.
Example output: The w3m browser will be closed, returning you to the command line interface.
Conclusion:
The w3m command is a versatile tool for browsing the web within the command line interface. It supports various options and shortcuts to enhance your browsing experience. Whether you want to browse websites without leaving the command line, view webpages in monochrome mode, navigate without mouse support, manage multiple tabs, review your browsing history, or quit the browser, w3m provides a convenient solution.
