How to use the command 'xkill' (with examples)
xkill is a command-line utility used in Unix-like operating systems to terminate or “kill” errant or unresponsive windows in a graphical user interface. It works by allowing the user to select the window they wish to close with the cursor, offering a straightforward method to deal with application crashes or malfunctioning programs within a graphical desktop environment. It is important to use this command cautiously, as it forcefully closes windows without any grace for unsaved work.
Using xkill to Terminate a Window by Left-Clicking
Code:
xkill
Motivation:
In some cases, graphical applications can become unresponsive, leaving the user with a frozen window that cannot be closed using traditional means (like clicking the ‘X’ button). In such situations, using xkill allows users to rapidly regain control of their desktop environment by terminating the problematic application window. This approach is particularly useful for users who need a quick remedy without resorting to terminal commands or process hunting.
Explanation:
In this command usage, simply typing xkill in the terminal launches an interactive process. It displays a special cursor — usually resembling a skull or crossbones — which can be used to select the window to be killed by clicking the left mouse button. It’s a direct and visual way to select the rogue application, making it very user-friendly for those familiar with GUI operations.
Example Output:
After executing xkill and clicking on the targeted window, the window immediately closes, and the terminal returns to its normal prompt indicating that the kill operation was successful. If any other buttons are pressed, nothing happens, effectively canceling the operation without output.
Using xkill with Any Mouse Button for Selection
Code:
xkill -button any
Motivation:
Sometimes, users may have customized their mouse buttons, or simply prefer using a button other than the left to interact with graphical elements. By using the -button any option, xkill provides flexibility to users who might naturally or accidentally use different mouse buttons. This accommodation is helpful in cases where mouse configuration settings or user habits differ from the common single-click on the left button convention.
Explanation:
The -button flag specifies which mouse button can be used to select the window to be terminated. By setting it to any, it allows any mouse button to be used for window selection, offering versatility to the way users choose to kill windows. This adapts to different hardware settings or user preferences, enhancing the usability of the command.
Example Output:
The output is similar to the basic xkill command: the user can click any button on the desired window to close it. The window disappears, and the command line is free for new input, confirming that the command executed successfully.
Using xkill with a Specific Window ID
Code:
xkill -id id
Motivation:
In advanced cases where precise control is needed, or where the graphical interface might not clearly present the window (e.g., overlapping windows), using a window ID to terminate the application ensures that the exact and correct window is killed. Developers or tech-savvy users often deal with multiple running applications that may be minimized or obscured, making this method particularly useful for systems with complex multitasking environments.
Explanation:
The -id option requires the user to specify the ID of the window they wish to terminate. This ID can be retrieved using tools like xwininfo, which provides detailed information about windows in the graphical environment, including their unique identifiers. By supplying this ID, the user can programmatically and precisely target a window without pointing and clicking, beneficial for automating tasks or when managing remote systems via scripts.
Example Output:
Once the command with the specified window ID executes, the exact window identified by that ID closes. There is typically no direct visual confirmation, other than the closure of the window itself, offering a clean and effective solution for managing window processes invisibly.
Conclusion
The xkill command is a robust utility for managing window processes within graphical user interfaces. Through its various use cases, it caters to different needs: from casual users terminating unresponsive applications with a simple click to advanced users requiring specific control over their window sessions. By offering diverse approaches to window management, xkill remains a valuable tool in the Unix/Linux toolkit. However, users should apply it judiciously to prevent accidental loss of unsaved work, bearing in mind its forceful nature.
