The xpdf command is a portable document format (PDF) file viewer that allows users to open and view PDF files. It provides various features, such as opening specific pages, opening compressed PDF files, viewing files in fullscreen mode, and specifying initial zoom options.

Use case 1: Open a PDF file

Code:

xpdf path/to/file.pdf

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to open a PDF file directly from the command line. It eliminates the need to navigate through file managers or graphical applications to access the file.

Explanation: The command “xpdf” followed by the file path opens the specified PDF file in the xpdf viewer.

Example Output: The xpdf viewer opens, displaying the contents of the PDF file.

Use case 2: Open a specific page in a PDF file

Code:

xpdf path/to/file.pdf :page_number

Motivation: When dealing with large PDF files, it can be time-consuming to navigate to a specific page manually. Using this use case, you can directly open a particular page in the PDF file.

Explanation: The command “xpdf” followed by the file path and the page number opens the PDF file at the specified page.

Example Output: The xpdf viewer opens, displaying the specified page of the PDF file.

Use case 3: Open a compressed PDF file

Code:

xpdf path/to/file.pdf.tar

Motivation: Sometimes, PDF files are compressed into tar archives. This use case allows you to open a compressed PDF file directly without manually extracting it.

Explanation: The command “xpdf” followed by the path to the compressed PDF file opens the file in the xpdf viewer.

Example Output: The xpdf viewer opens, displaying the contents of the compressed PDF file.

Use case 4: Open a PDF file in fullscreen mode

Code:

xpdf -fullscreen path/to/file.pdf

Motivation: When presenting PDF files or viewing them without distractions, fullscreen mode provides a better viewing experience.

Explanation: The command “xpdf” with the “-fullscreen” option followed by the file path opens the PDF file in fullscreen mode.

Example Output: The xpdf viewer opens in fullscreen mode, displaying the contents of the PDF file.

Use case 5: Specify the initial zoom

Code:

xpdf -z 75% path/to/file.pdf

Motivation: Depending on the content of the PDF file and personal preference, adjusting the zoom level can enhance the reading experience.

Explanation: The command “xpdf” with the “-z” option followed by the desired zoom percentage and the file path opens the PDF file with the specified initial zoom level.

Example Output: The xpdf viewer opens, displaying the PDF file with the specified zoom level.

Use case 6: Specify the initial zoom at page width or full page

Code:

xpdf -z page|width path/to/file.pdf

Motivation: In addition to specific zoom percentages, xpdf offers the option to set the initial zoom to fit the page width or view the entire page.

Explanation: The command “xpdf” with the “-z” option followed by either “page” or “width” and the file path opens the PDF file with the specified initial zoom at the page width or for the full page.

Example Output: The xpdf viewer opens, displaying the PDF file with the specified zoom settings.

Conclusion:

The xpdf command provides a versatile PDF viewer for users who prefer a command-line interface for opening and viewing PDF files. With various options, including opening specific pages, handling compressed files, fullscreen mode, and zoom control, xpdf offers flexibility and efficiency in managing PDF documents.