# sxhkd

> Simple X hotkey daemon

**Wikidata**: [Q108877979](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108877979)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sxhkd

## Summary
`sxhkd` is a lightweight, free software hotkey daemon for Unix-like and BSD systems, designed to manage keyboard shortcuts efficiently. Created by Bastien Dejean, it is distributed under the 2-clause BSD License and is available as a package in major Linux distributions.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Hotkey daemon for X11 window systems
- **Creator**: Bastien Dejean
- **License**: 2-clause BSD License
- **First Release**: Version 0.1 (April 23, 2013)
- **Latest Version**: 0.5.2 (October 19, 2013)
- **Operating Systems**: Unix-like and BSD systems
- **Package Availability**: Included in Debian, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and other distributions
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd)
- **Manual Page**: `sxhkd.1`
- **Maintained By**: Bastien Dejean

## FAQs
### Q: What is `sxhkd` used for?
A: `sxhkd` is a simple X hotkey daemon that allows users to define and manage keyboard shortcuts in X11 environments. It is commonly used in tiling window managers and other custom desktop setups.

### Q: Is `sxhkd` free software?
A: Yes, `sxhkd` is distributed under the 2-clause BSD License, making it free and open-source software.

### Q: Which operating systems support `sxhkd`?
A: `sxhkd` runs on Unix-like and BSD systems, including Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD.

### Q: How do I install `sxhkd`?
A: `sxhkd` is available as a package in many distributions. For example, on Debian-based systems, you can install it via `apt install sxhkd`.

### Q: Who maintains `sxhkd`?
A: `sxhkd` is maintained by Bastien Dejean, its original creator.

## Why It Matters
`sxhkd` fills a niche in the X11 ecosystem by providing a minimalist, efficient way to manage keyboard shortcuts. Unlike more complex solutions, it focuses on simplicity and performance, making it ideal for users who prefer lightweight tools. Its inclusion in major Linux distributions demonstrates its reliability and usefulness in custom desktop environments. By reducing the overhead of hotkey management, `sxhkd` empowers users to configure their systems more precisely, aligning with the principles of Unix philosophy—doing one thing well.

## Notable For
- **Lightweight Design**: Minimal dependencies and resource usage, making it suitable for low-end systems.
- **BSD License**: Compatible with a wide range of open-source projects.
- **Package Availability**: Pre-installed in many Linux distributions, simplifying adoption.
- **GitHub Hosting**: Open-source development on GitHub, fostering community contributions.
- **Manual Page**: Well-documented with a dedicated `sxhkd.1` manual page for user reference.

## Body
### Overview
`sxhkd` is a simple X hotkey daemon designed to manage keyboard shortcuts in X11 environments. It was created by Bastien Dejean and first released in April 2013. The project is hosted on GitHub and distributed under the 2-clause BSD License.

### Development and Releases
- **Initial Release**: Version 0.1 on April 23, 2013.
- **Latest Release**: Version 0.5.2 on October 19, 2013.
- **Maintenance**: Continued updates and bug fixes by Bastien Dejean.

### Distribution and Availability
- **Package Management**: Available in Debian, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and other distributions.
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd).
- **Manual Page**: Documented in `sxhkd.1`.

### Technical Details
- **Operating Systems**: Unix-like and BSD systems.
- **License**: 2-clause BSD License.
- **Dependencies**: Minimal, ensuring lightweight operation.

### Community and Support
- **Maintainer**: Bastien Dejean.
- **Documentation**: Well-documented with a manual page for user reference.

## References

1. [Source](https://metadata.ftp-master.debian.org/changelogs//main/s/sxhkd/sxhkd_0.6.2-1_copyright)
2. [Release 0.1. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.1)
3. [Release 0.2. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.2)
4. [Release 0.3. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.3)
5. [Release 0.4. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.4)
6. [Release 0.4.1. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.4.1)
7. [Release 0.4.2. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.4.2)
8. [Release 0.4.3. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.4.3)
9. [Release 0.5. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5)
10. [Release 0.5.1. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5.1)
11. [Release 0.5.2. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5.2)
12. [Release 0.5.3. 2013](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5.3)
13. [Release 0.5.4. 2014](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5.4)
14. [Release 0.5.5. 2015](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5.5)
15. [Release 0.5.6. 2016](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5.6)
16. [Release 0.5.7. 2016](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5.7)
17. [Release 0.5.8. 2017](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5.8)
18. [Release 0.5.9. 2018](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.5.9)
19. [Release 0.6.0. 2019](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.6.0)
20. [Release 0.6.1. 2019](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.6.1)
21. [Release 0.6.2. 2020](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.6.2)
22. [Release 0.6.3. 2025](https://github.com/baskerville/sxhkd/releases/tag/0.6.3)
23. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/source/bookworm/sxhkd)