xrdb

xrdb is a command line tool in Unix-like operating systems that allows users to manage the X Resource Database. The X Resource Database, commonly referred to as Xresources, is utilized by the X Window System to store user preferences and configuration settings for X applications. When an X application is launched, it can query the X Resource Database to obtain specific settings like colors, fonts, and other user-defined resources.

The xrdb command allows users to modify, merge, or query the contents of the X Resource Database. It can process entries in a file containing X resource definitions and load them into the database using the '-merge' option. This provides a way to dynamically change the appearance or behavior of X applications without restarting them.

Using the '-query' option, xrdb allows users to retrieve values of specific resources from the database, which can be useful for troubleshooting or verifying settings. When invoked without any options, the xrdb command displays the contents of the X Resource Database to the standard output.

Overall, xrdb is a powerful command line tool that enables users to manage and manipulate the X Resource Database, providing flexibility and customization options for the X Window System.