Track Information in a Terminal with WTF
At a Glance
This simple dashboard tool keeps you up to date on everything from system information to soccer scores.
No matter how much AI advances and graphical interfaces improve, knowing how to use console programs will always be useful, and there will always be some console programs that are faster, safer, and more efficient than their more sophisticated competitors. That's why I like the "personal information dashboard for your terminal" called WTF [1].
WTF is lean, fast, and completely distribution-independent – and it is usable even on remote computers through SSH connections. WTF can even support two different use cases on one system – for instance, one for software developers and one for ordinary users. The WTF terminal dashboard first made its mark in the software development community (see the "WTF for Software Management" box), but it is also quite practical for ordinary users.
What really makes WTF useful is its many modules, which you can combine any way you want. Each module is a small chunk of code that grabs data from one source and presents it inside a widget (a customizable part of the terminal window). My own current WTF setup (Figure 1) includes 10 widgets. By the time you read this, it will likely be different, because I can't stop tweaking it.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Digital Autonomy
• How the Fediverse Found Parts for Its Platforms
• The Answer Was Already on the Shelf
• Changing the Chip Industry: How Public Investment Has Grown Open Silicon
• United Nations Open Source Portal Goes Live
• EU Open Source Strategy Plays Key Role in Tech Sovereignty Package
• France Says “Au Revoir” to Microsoft
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Is Linus Torvalds Vibe Coding?
The creator of Linux has added AI into his process for Linux kernel development, and it's more than just for debugging.
-
openKylin 3.0 Released with Expanded AI Integration
The latest release features a pre-installed AI agent to help perform tasks.
-
DigitalOcean Ends Open Source Credits Program
In a change that has surprised many open source developers, DigitalOcean has decided to sunset its Open Source Credits Program.
-
Office 365 Available for Testing on Linux via Bottles
Linux users can now test the official Office 365, thanks to Mirko Brombin's work on Bottles.
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of other European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.
-
It’s Time to Test Fedora 45 Beta
Fedora 45 beta has been released with updated Gnome, KDE Plasma, and kernel.
-
Ubuntu Stonking Stingray Gets Even Rustier
Ubuntu 26.10 has completed its migration to the Rust-based coreutils.