How to use 'xdg-open' Command (with examples)

The xdg-open command is a versatile tool in Linux-based environments that allows users to open files or URLs using their system’s preferred applications. It effectively bridges the user’s selected apps with the operating system’s fundamental operations, ensuring that files and links are accessed through familiar software. This command becomes extremely convenient for users who frequently work through the terminal but prefer to view different file types with the graphical interface of their default applications.

Use case 1: Open the Current Directory in the Default File Explorer

Code:

xdg-open .

Motivation:

Utilizing the command xdg-open . allows a user to swiftly open their current working directory in the system’s default file explorer. This is particularly useful for those who often navigate through terminals but wish to visualize their directory structure or files without manually starting the file explorer and browsing to the directory.

Explanation:

• xdg-open: This is the command that communicates with the system to open a specified file or directory using the default application.
• .: The dot represents the current directory in command-line interfaces. By specifying . as an argument, xdg-open is instructed to open where you currently are in the file system.

Example Output:

Executing this command will open the directory in your system’s graphical file explorer, displaying all files and subdirectories available.

Use case 2: Open a URL in the Default Browser

Code:

xdg-open https://example.com

Motivation:

Opening URLs in a web browser directly from the terminal can streamline workflows, especially for users dealing with multiple websites or when needing quick access to specific online resources. This is a practical alternative to copying a URL and pasting it into a browser manually.

Explanation:

• xdg-open: Initiates the process to open the specified resource.
• https://example.com: This argument is the URL you intend to open. The command uses this to trigger your system’s default web browser.

Example Output:

Upon running the command, your default web browser will launch, automatically navigating to https://example.com, displaying that webpage.

Use case 3: Open an Image in the Default Image Viewer

Code:

xdg-open path/to/image

Motivation:

Accessing and viewing images directly from the terminal without needing to navigate through folders is beneficial for developers and designers who inspect multiple images rapidly and frequently.

Explanation:

• xdg-open: Activates the opening sequence for the designated file.
• path/to/image: This is a placeholder for the actual file path of your image. By providing the command with the image file path, it prompts the image to open in the default image viewer application.

Example Output:

Executing this command will open the specified image in your system’s default image viewer, allowing you to inspect it without additional interaction.

Use case 4: Open a PDF in the Default PDF Viewer

Code:

xdg-open path/to/pdf

Motivation:

For users working with a multitude of PDF files, the ability to open them quickly from the terminal is advantageous. This is particularly valuable for those involved in documentation, academic studies, or legal fields where PDFs are a primary format.

Explanation:

• xdg-open: It acts as the command to launch applications based on file types.
• path/to/pdf: Replace this with the actual path to your PDF document. The command uses this path to fetch and open the PDF using the default viewer.

Example Output:

After running this command, the PDF will appear in your system’s default PDF viewer, offering immediate access to its contents.

Use case 5: Display Help

Code:

xdg-open --help

Motivation:

Accessing the help documentation for xdg-open is essential for users looking to understand the full capabilities and usage options of the command. This helps in troubleshooting or when needing a reminder of various functionalities.

Explanation:

• xdg-open: The command itself that manages file opening processes.
• --help: This flag is used to request the help documentation, offering insights into the command’s usage, options, and additional information.

Example Output:

Running this command will display a help text in the terminal, showing usage instructions, options, and other helpful tips for using xdg-open.

Conclusion:

The xdg-open command provides an easy-to-use, efficient means to open various types of files and URLs using the user’s preferred desktop applications. By handling diverse file types, it streamlines the bridge between terminal work and graphical user interface interactions, enhancing productivity and user experience.