How to use the command 'xfce4-terminal' (with examples)

The xfce4-terminal command is a terminal emulator that is part of the XFCE desktop environment. It provides a convenient way to access the command line interface on Linux systems. This article illustrates several different use cases of the xfce4-terminal command, along with their code, motivations, explanations, and example outputs.

Use case 1: Open a new terminal window

Code:

xfce4-terminal

Motivation: This use case is useful when you need to quickly open a new terminal window to execute commands or run programs.

Explanation: The “xfce4-terminal” command without any arguments opens a new terminal window.

Example output:

A new terminal window opens, ready for you to enter commands.

Use case 2: Set the initial title

Code:

xfce4-terminal --initial-title "initial_title"

Motivation: Setting an initial title for the terminal window can help you easily identify and keep track of your different terminal sessions.

Explanation: The “–initial-title” option is followed by the desired initial title text enclosed in double quotation marks. This option sets the title of the terminal window when it opens.

Example output:

A new terminal window opens with the specified initial title displayed in the title bar.

Use case 3: Open a new tab in the current terminal window

Code:

xfce4-terminal --tab

Motivation: Opening a new tab in the current terminal window allows you to organize and switch between multiple terminal sessions within a single window.

Explanation: The “–tab” option opens a new tab in the current terminal window.

Example output:

A new tab is opened within the existing terminal window.

Use case 4: Execute a command in a new terminal window

Code:

xfce4-terminal --command "command_with_args"

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to directly execute a specific command in a new terminal window.

Explanation: The “–command” option is followed by the desired command enclosed in double quotation marks. This option executes the specified command in a new terminal window.

Example output:

A new terminal window opens and executes the specified command.

Use case 5: Keep the terminal around after the executed command finishes

Code:

xfce4-terminal --command "command_with_args" --hold

Motivation: Sometimes you may want to keep the terminal window open even after the executed command finishes executing, so that you can review the results or continue executing additional commands.

Explanation: The “–hold” option is added to the command, and it keeps the terminal window open even after the executed command finishes.

Example output:

A new terminal window opens, executes the specified command, and remains open after the command finishes executing.

Use case 6: Open multiple new tabs, executing a command in each

Code:

xfce4-terminal --tab --command "command_a" --tab --command "command_b"

Motivation: When you need to run multiple commands simultaneously, opening multiple new tabs with different commands in each can help you organize and manage your tasks efficiently.

Explanation: The “–tab” option is used to open a new tab, and the “–command” option is used to specify a command for each tab. This allows you to execute different commands in separate tabs.

Example output:

Two new tabs are opened within the existing terminal window, each executing the specified command in its respective tab.

Conclusion:

The xfce4-terminal command offers various options for customizing and managing terminal windows in the XFCE desktop environment. By exploring the different use cases presented in this article, you can make the most of xfce4-terminal to enhance your command line experience.