Command Linux xkill: A Quick Guide to Forcefully Closing Applications

When using Linux, there are times when an application becomes unresponsive, and the usual methods of closing it might not work. This is where the command linux xkill comes in handy. Xkill is a simple but powerful tool that allows you to forcefully close any application window that is misbehaving. Whether it's a frozen program, a graphical interface that won't respond, or an application that refuses to quit, xkill can help you resolve the issue quickly. In this article, we'll explore how to use the command, its options, and some practical examples that will make your Linux experience more efficient and stress-free.

What is the Command Linux xkill?

The xkill command in Linux is a utility that allows users to forcefully close a specific window by clicking on it. This command is especially useful when a program becomes unresponsive, and no other methods seem to work. Instead of using a graphical task manager or closing the program from the terminal, xkill provides a quick way to kill the program directly by selecting the window. Think of it as a quick and direct solution to close a program that has completely frozen.

When executed, the xkill command changes your mouse cursor into a cross or skull icon, indicating that you can click on any window to close it. While it might sound like a drastic measure, sometimes, it's the fastest way to regain control of your system, especially in situations where the graphical interface is unresponsive or the process is hanging without any apparent way to close it.

Why Use the Command Linux xkill?

While Linux offers several ways to close unresponsive applications—such as using the kill command or a system monitor tool—xkill is a quick and intuitive alternative. Here are some reasons why you might choose to use it:

• Simple and Fast: One of the biggest advantages of xkill is its speed. You don't need to open any menus or additional tools; simply run the command, click the window you want to close, and it will be terminated immediately.
• Graphical Interface: Since xkill interacts directly with the graphical environment, it’s particularly useful for dealing with windows that aren’t responding to typical input methods like keyboard shortcuts.
• Bypass the Terminal: If you're tired of using the terminal for everything, xkill allows you to use the mouse for closing applications—without needing to hunt down process IDs or use a terminal-based task manager.
• Works in GUI: Unlike some commands that work in terminal-only environments, xkill is designed for graphical user interfaces, so it's ideal when you're working with desktop applications.

How to Install and Use the Command Linux xkill

Before you can start using xkill, you need to make sure it's installed on your system. Fortunately, it’s often included by default in many Linux distributions. However, if for some reason it’s not installed, you can easily add it using the following steps:

Installing xkill

To check if xkill is installed on your system, open a terminal window and type:

which xkill

If the terminal returns a path (like /usr/bin/xkill), then it's already installed. If you get no output, you'll need to install it manually. You can install it using the package manager for your distribution. Here are the commands for some of the most popular Linux distributions:

• Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt install x11-utils
• Fedora: sudo dnf install xorg-x11-utils
• Arch Linux: sudo pacman -S xorg-xkill

Using xkill to Close an Application

Once installed, using xkill is simple. Open a terminal and type:

xkill

After running this command, your mouse cursor will change to a cross or skull icon. Now, just click on the window of the application you want to close, and it will immediately be terminated. This method is ideal when you can’t use traditional methods to close an application (such as pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del or using the kill command).

Options for the Command Linux xkill

The xkill command also comes with a few options that can make it more flexible depending on the situation. Here are some useful options:

• -id: This option allows you to specify the window ID of the application you want to kill. This is useful if you have multiple windows open and want to close a specific one without clicking it. You can find the window ID using the xwininfo command.
• -help: Displays information about how to use the xkill command.
• -display: If you’re working in a multi-display environment, you can use this option to specify which display xkill should interact with.

For example, if you know the window ID of the application you want to close, you can use the following command:

xkill -id 0x03400007

This will forcefully close the application associated with the given window ID.

Common Examples of Using xkill

1. Closing an Unresponsive Browser Window

Let’s say your web browser has frozen and you can’t close it the usual way. Simply type xkill in the terminal, click on the browser window, and it will be closed instantly. This is a great way to avoid restarting the entire computer.

2. Closing Multiple Applications at Once

If you’re working with multiple frozen applications and want to close them without typing multiple commands, you can open multiple xkill instances. Just run the xkill command multiple times, and each time it will allow you to click on a different window to close.

3. Killing a Specific Application via Window ID

If you know the window ID of an application you want to kill, you can use it in conjunction with the -id option:

xkill -id 0x03400007

Safety and Precautions with xkill

While xkill is a very useful tool, it’s important to use it with care. Forcefully terminating an application can lead to data loss if the application hasn’t saved its work. Always try to use normal methods for closing applications first, such as using the close button or keyboard shortcuts like Alt+F4. Reserve xkill for situations when these methods fail or when the application is completely unresponsive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the command linux xkill is an invaluable tool for any Linux user, especially when it comes to closing unresponsive applications quickly and efficiently. It’s easy to use and can save you a lot of time when dealing with frozen or malfunctioning programs. By understanding its simple yet powerful capabilities, you can gain more control over your Linux system and ensure a smoother user experience. Remember, xkill is a tool to use in emergencies, so always make sure to save your work before clicking away!