URxvt (short for rxvt-unicode) is a popular customizable terminal emulator for Unix and Unix-like systems. It is based on the original rxvt terminal emulator, but includes several additional features and improvements.
One of the key features of URxvt is its configurability. Users can customize almost every aspect of the terminal emulator, including the font, color scheme, keyboard shortcuts, and more. This makes it a popular choice among users who want a terminal emulator that can be tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Another important feature of URxvt is its support for Unicode. This means that it can display a wide range of characters and symbols from different languages and writing systems, making it a versatile tool for users who work with text in different languages.
URxvt also has a relatively small memory footprint compared to other terminal emulators, which can be an advantage for users who need to run multiple terminal sessions simultaneously or who have limited system resources.
In addition to its core features, URxvt also supports several third-party plugins and extensions, which can add additional functionality and customization options to the terminal emulator. Some popular plugins include URL handlers, tabbed terminals, and support for displaying images and videos.
If you encounter the below error while running the command urxvt:
urxvt: command not found
you may try installing the below package as per your choice of distribution:
| Distribution | Command |
|---|---|
| Debian | apt-get install rxvt-unicode |
| Ubuntu | apt-get install rxvt-unicode |
| Alpine | apk add rxvt-unicode |
| Arch Linux | pacman -S rxvt-unicode |
| Kali Linux | apt-get install rxvt-unicode |
| Fedora | dnf install rxvt-unicode |
| OS X | brew install rxvt-unicode |
| Raspbian | apt-get install rxvt-unicode |
urxvt Command Examples
1. Open a new urxvt window:
# urxvt
2. Run in a specific directory:
# urxvt -cd path/to/directory
3. Run a command in a new urxvt window:
# urxvt -e command
4. Run a command and keep the window open:
# urxvt --hold -e command
5. Run a command within the `sh` shell:
# urxvt -e sh -c command
Summary
Overall, URxvt is a powerful and versatile terminal emulator that offers a wide range of customization options and features. Its popularity among Unix and Unix-like users is a testament to its effectiveness and usefulness as a tool for working with the command line.