startx is a command used to start the X Window System on Unix-like operating systems. It is a script that is used as a front end to the xinit command and provides a user-friendly interface to run X server and client applications.
When the startx command is executed, it checks for a configuration file called ~/.xinitrc and runs the commands listed in it. Typically, this file contains a list of window managers, desktop environments, and other X client applications that the user wants to run when the X server is started.
The startx script performs several tasks, such as checking the user’s environment, setting up the X server, and launching a session manager or window manager. It also sets up the default X Window System fonts, keyboard mapping, and other basic configuration options.
The startx command is commonly used on Linux and other Unix-like systems, as it provides an easy way to start the X Window System without requiring the user to manually configure the system. It is often used in conjunction with display managers like gdm, kdm, or xdm, which provide graphical login interfaces for users.
If you encounter the below error while running the command startx:
startx: command not found
you may try installing the below package as per your choice of distribution:
| Distribution | Command |
|---|---|
| Debian | apt-get install xinit |
| Ubuntu | apt-get install xinit |
| Alpine | apk add xinit |
| Arch Linux | pacman -S xorg-xinit |
| Kali Linux | apt-get install xinit |
| CentOS | yum install xorg-x11-xinit |
| Fedora | dnf install xorg-x11-xinit |
| Raspbian | apt-get install xinit |
startx Command Examples
1. Start an X session:
# startx
2. Start an X session with a predefined depth value:
# startx -- -depth value
3. Start an X session with a predefined dpi value:
# startx -- -dpi value
4. Override the settings in the `.xinitrc` file and start a new X session:
# startx /path/to/window_manager_or_desktop_environment