How to use the command 'wifi-password' (with examples)

The wifi-password command is a nifty utility for quickly retrieving the password of the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to or a specified network. Especially useful for users who might need to connect additional devices or share access with others, this command can provide passwords without requiring a direct dive into system settings or network configurations. It is a handy tool for developers, tech support specialists, and ordinary users alike.

Use case 1: Get the password for the Wi-Fi you are currently logged onto

Code:

wifi-password

Motivation:

Sometimes, you may need to quickly check the Wi-Fi password to connect another device or share it with a colleague or a guest. Manually searching for the Wi-Fi password through system settings can be inconvenient and time-consuming. This quick retrieval method helps you save time and effort by providing the password directly from the terminal without navigating through the configuration interface.

Explanation:

• wifi-password: This is the main command used to execute the utility. By simply invoking it without any additional options or arguments, it defaults to retrieving the password of the Wi-Fi network that your current machine is connected to. This is the most straightforward use case, offering ease of access and immediacy.

Example Output:

The password is: supersecurepassword123

Use case 2: Get the password for the Wi-Fi with a specific SSID

Code:

wifi-password ssid

Motivation:

In environments with multiple Wi-Fi networks, it can be particularly useful to retrieve the password for a specific network, especially if it is one you have connected to before or manage but are not currently using. For instance, IT specialists managing network permissions across an office might need quick access to credentials for troubleshooting, documentation, or setup purposes. Specifying the SSID of the desired network ensures accurate retrieval without the need to disconnect and reconnect to a different network purely to access its password.

Explanation:

• wifi-password: This core command remains the same, as it acts as the gateway to processing and outputting Wi-Fi password data.
• ssid: This argument is where you input the specific Service Set Identifier (SSID) or name of the Wi-Fi network whose password you wish to retrieve. Supplying the SSID directs the command to look up the specified network rather than defaulting to the current connection.

Example Output:

The password for 'OfficeNetwork' is: office123password

Use case 3: Print only the password as output

Code:

wifi-password -q

Motivation:

Many users and scripts require only the plain text of the password for automation purposes. For instance, if you’re scripting a setup process that involves connecting devices to a network, you may want to fetch and use the password programmatically without additional text or formatting. This example illustrates how to use the utility in a way suited for automated tasks or embedding into larger scripts, where additional context or labels may be extraneous.

Explanation:

• wifi-password: The command still functions as intended, fetching Wi-Fi credentials.
• -q: This is a flag that instructs the command to output only the password, stripping any surrounding labels or text. The “quiet” output mode is ideal for scenarios where only data extraction is needed, improving the command’s fit for batch processes and streamlined user interfaces.

Example Output:

supersecurepassword123

Conclusion

The wifi-password command is a versatile tool for swiftly accessing Wi-Fi passwords, whether you need it for the current network or a specific one. By providing different contexts in which this command can be useful, we’ve explored its flexibility and convenience in various real-world scenarios, enhancing productivity and user experience in network management and accessibility.