run-mailcap is a command-line tool used to run MailCap programs in Linux and Unix-like operating systems. MailCap programs are used to specify actions to be taken when a particular MIME type or file is encountered. For example, a MailCap program could be used to open a PDF file in a specific viewer application when the file is opened.
The run-mailcap command is typically used to launch external programs to handle specific MIME types or files, such as a media player for audio or video files or an image viewer for image files. It can be used to view, edit, compose, print or otherwise manipulate files based on their MIME type or other attributes.
The tool works by executing programs specified in the mailcap file (or any of its aliases), which associates each MIME type with a program or script that can handle it. The mailcap file is a configuration file that lists the MIME types and the corresponding programs to run for each type.
run-mailcap can be used to specify different actions for different MIME types or for the same MIME type with different file extensions. It supports a variety of options and flags to customize its behavior, such as specifying a program to use instead of the default program listed in the mailcap file, or specifying arguments to be passed to the program.
One of the main benefits of using run-mailcap is its flexibility and extensibility. Users can customize the mailcap file to specify their preferred programs for handling different file types, and they can also create custom scripts or programs to handle specific types or perform additional tasks.
run-mailcap Command Examples
1. Individual actions/programs on run-mailcap can be invoked with action flag:
# run-mailcap --action=ACTION [--option[=value]]
2. In simple language:
# run-mailcap --action=ACTION filename
3. Turn on extra information:
# run-mailcap --action=ACTION --debug filename
4. Ignore any “copiousoutput” directive and forward output to standard output:
# run-mailcap --action=ACTION --nopager filename
5. Display the found command without actually executing it:
# run-mailcap --action=ACTION --norun filename
Summary
In conclusion, run-mailcap is a powerful tool for managing files and MIME types in Linux and Unix-like operating systems. It allows users to execute programs and scripts based on the type or attributes of a file, and can be customized to fit a user’s specific needs and preferences. Its flexibility and extensibility make it a valuable tool for system administrators and power users.