How to use the command 'xdg-settings' (with examples)

The ‘xdg-settings’ command is used to manage settings of XDG-compatible desktop environments. It allows users to modify default settings for web browsers, mail URL scheme handlers, document viewers, and more.

Use case 1: Print the default web browser

Code:

xdg-settings get default-web-browser

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to know the default web browser set in your XDG-compatible desktop environment.

Explanation: The get command is used to retrieve the value of a specific setting. In this case, we are retrieving the value of the default web browser setting.

Example Output:

firefox.desktop

Use case 2: Set the default web browser to Firefox

Code:

xdg-settings set default-web-browser firefox.desktop

Motivation: If you prefer using Firefox as your default web browser, this use case allows you to set it as the default in your XDG-compatible desktop environment.

Explanation: The set command is used to modify the value of a specific setting. In this case, we are setting the default web browser to ‘firefox.desktop’.

Use case 3: Set the default mail URL scheme handler to Evolution

Code:

xdg-settings set default-url-scheme-handler mailto evolution.desktop

Motivation: If you use Evolution as your preferred email client, this use case allows you to set it as the default mail URL scheme handler in your XDG-compatible desktop environment.

Explanation: The set command is used to modify the value of a specific setting. In this case, we are setting the default mail URL scheme handler to ’evolution.desktop’ for the ‘mailto’ URL scheme.

Use case 4: Set the default PDF document viewer

Code:

xdg-settings set pdf-viewer.desktop

Motivation: If you want to change the default PDF document viewer in your XDG-compatible desktop environment, this use case allows you to set a new viewer.

Explanation: The set command is used to modify the value of a specific setting. In this case, we are setting the default PDF document viewer to ‘pdf-viewer.desktop’.

Use case 5: Display help

Code:

xdg-settings --help

Motivation: If you need assistance or want to explore the available options and commands of ‘xdg-settings’, this use case allows you to access the help documentation.

Explanation: The --help option is used to display the help manual of the ‘xdg-settings’ command. It provides information on the available options, commands, and their usage.

Conclusion:

The ‘xdg-settings’ command is a versatile tool for managing settings in XDG-compatible desktop environments. With examples provided for retrieving and modifying default settings for web browsers, mail URL scheme handlers, document viewers, and accessing help documentation, users can customize their desktop experience according to their preferences.