How to Control Your tldr Updates: Understanding --auto-update-interval
tldr, the beloved command-line tool that provides concise explanations for commands, strives to stay up-to-date. But sometimes, you might prefer to control the frequency of updates. This is where the --auto-update-interval option comes into play.
What is --auto-update-interval?
The --auto-update-interval option lets you dictate how often tldr checks for new updates. By default, tldr updates itself every 24 hours, but you can adjust this interval using this option.
Why Would You Want to Adjust the Update Interval?
Several reasons might prompt you to adjust the update interval:
- Network Bandwidth: If you have limited bandwidth or are on a metered connection, you might want to limit the number of updates.
- System Performance: If your system is resource-constrained, frequent updates can impact performance.
- Customization: You might prefer to update tldr manually or on a schedule that aligns with your workflow.
How to Use --auto-update-interval
Using --auto-update-interval is simple:
- Open your terminal or command prompt.
- Type the following command, replacing
dayswith the desired interval in days:tldr --auto-update-interval days
Example:
To set the update interval to every 7 days, you would use:
tldr --auto-update-interval 7
Important Considerations
- Frequency: You can choose any number of days for the interval. Smaller numbers mean more frequent updates, while larger numbers mean less frequent updates.
- Manual Updates: If you choose not to use
--auto-update-interval, you can always manually update tldr by running:tldr --update
Let's look at some specific examples:
- No Updates: If you want to completely disable automatic updates, you can set the interval to a very high number, like 3650 (10 years).
- Monthly Updates: To get updates once a month, set the interval to 30.
- Weekly Updates: For weekly updates, use 7.
Beyond the Command Line:
You can also adjust the update interval by editing the tldr configuration file. This file is typically located at:
- Linux and macOS:
~/.config/tldr/config.json - Windows:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\tldr\config.json
Simply open this file with a text editor and modify the autoUpdateInterval field.
Conclusion
--auto-update-interval gives you granular control over how often tldr checks for updates. This allows you to optimize for your specific needs, balancing the benefits of a fresh database with considerations for network bandwidth, system performance, and personal preference.