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

xdg-settings is a powerful command-line tool used to manage settings for XDG-compatible desktop environments. It allows users and administrators to set and get various default applications for different types of content, such as web browsers, mail clients, and document viewers. This command is particularly useful in Linux environments where desktop settings need to be managed consistently and efficiently, providing a streamlined method for configuring user environments according to specific preferences or organizational standards.

Use case 1: Print the default web browser

Code:

xdg-settings get default-web-browser

Motivation:

Understanding the default web browser on your system is essential, especially when troubleshooting issues related to web-based applications or deciding on policy settings within an organization. Knowing the default browser ensures that when hyperlinks are clicked or web-based services are invoked, they open using the intended software.

Explanation:

• xdg-settings: The base command for managing XDG desktop settings.
• get: This subcommand is used to retrieve the current setting of a specified application type.
• default-web-browser: This argument specifies that the information requested should be about the default web browser currently in use.

Example output:

firefox.desktop

This indicates that Firefox is currently set as the default web browser on the system.

Use case 2: Set the default web browser to Firefox

Code:

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

Motivation:

Setting Firefox as the default web browser can be crucial for users and administrators aiming to standardize browser use across an organization or simply preferring its features like enhanced security, extensive extensions availability, or open-source ethos. Ensuring consistency in browser usage can also lead to more predictable behavior when dealing with web-related tasks.

Explanation:

• xdg-settings: Command-line utility for managing desktop settings.
• set: This subcommand is used to modify the current setting of a specified application type.
• default-web-browser: Specifies the application type for which the setting is being changed.
• firefox.desktop: This argument indicates that the default browser should be set to Firefox. The “.desktop” suffix is associated with the desktop entry file for Firefox, which contains settings and policies about how the application should interact with the desktop environment.

Example output:

There is typically no output if the command is successful, though errors may be displayed if there is an issue, such as if Firefox is not installed.

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

Code:

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

Motivation:

Selecting Evolution as the default mail client can be beneficial for its integration with GNOME environments, robust features for managing emails, calendars, tasks, and contacts seamlessly. It’s particularly advantageous for organizations using GNOME desktop environments due to its deep integration and reliability.

Explanation:

• xdg-settings: Primary command for handling XDG-compatible settings.
• set: Instruction for configuring the current state of an application setting.
• default-url-scheme-handler: This argument specifies that the handler for a specific URL scheme is being configured.
• mailto: Indicates the specific URL scheme for which the application setting is altered. “mailto” indicates email links recognition.
• evolution.desktop: Specifies that Evolution should handle the “mailto” URL scheme, ensuring emails are composed within this application when triggered from email links.

Example output:

As is common with configuration commands, successful execution will not typically produce output unless there’s a message indicating success or an error.

Use case 4: Set the default PDF document viewer

Code:

xdg-settings set default-url-scheme-handler pdf-viewer.desktop

Motivation:

Setting an application as the default PDF viewer allows users to immediately view and manage PDF files with their favorite or the most appropriate software tailored to their needs. This is crucial in environments where specific features of a PDF viewer, such as annotation or signing capabilities, are regularly required.

Explanation:

• xdg-settings: Command for setting desktop environment defaults.
• set: Directs the command to change the current setting.
• default-url-scheme-handler: This refers to configuring application handlers for specific content types or URL schemes.
• pdf-viewer.desktop: The desktop entry file specified here is meant to associate the PDF viewing functionality with a particular application available as pdf-viewer, assuming this matches an installed application.

Example output:

No output generally indicates success. Errors can occur if the specified viewer isn’t installed or accessible.

Use case 5: Display help

Code:

xdg-settings --help

Motivation:

Accessing the help documentation is invaluable for both new users unfamiliar with the xdg-settings command and advanced users needing a quick reference to the command’s options and usage syntax.

Explanation:

• xdg-settings: Base command for managing XDG desktop settings.
• --help: Option to display the help documentation, detailing available commands, options, and potential use cases in a concise manner.

Example output:

The help command will provide an output detailing usage instructions, available options, and examples, assisting the user in understanding and utilizing the command effectively.

Usage: xdg-settings [OPTION...] [COMMAND [ARGUMENTS...]]

... [output continues with details on usage and options]

Conclusion:

The xdg-settings command is a versatile tool for managing default applications and settings in XDG-compatible desktop environments. Whether configuring a single desktop or setting policies for an entire organization, it provides a straightforward means of establishing defaults that streamline operations and enhance user experience across various applications such as web browsers, email clients, and PDF viewers. By using the examples provided, users can harness the full potential of this command to create a more efficient and consistent desktop environment.