# XRandR

> Command line interface to the RandR X11 extension

**Wikidata**: [Q53843864](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53843864)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xrandr

## Summary
XRandR is a command-line interface used to interact with the RandR (Resize and Rotate) extension of the X Window System (X11). It is classified as free software and is designed to run on Unix-like operating systems. The tool serves as the primary utility for configuring display settings within the X.org environment.

## Key Facts
- **Definition:** XRandR is the official command-line interface to the RandR X11 extension.
- **License:** The software is released under the MIT License.
- **Latest Version:** Version 1.5.3 (released November 7, 2024).
- **Operating System:** It runs on Unix-like operating systems.
- **Source Code:** The repository is hosted on GitLab at `https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/app/xrandr.git`.
- **Official Website:** `https://www.x.org/wiki/Projects/XRandR/`
- **Software Class:** It is an instance of a command-line interface and free software.
- **Copyright Status:** The software is copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of XRandR?
A: XRandR functions as a command-line interface to the RandR X11 extension. It allows users to configure display settings, such as resolution, rotation, and refresh rates, within the X Window System.

### Q: What is the most recent version of XRandR?
A: The most recent stable release is version 1.5.3, which was released on November 7, 2024.

### Q: On which operating systems does XRandR run?
A: XRandR is designed for Unix-like operating systems. It is available through various package managers, including Arch Linux (`xorg-xrandr`), Gentoo (`x11-apps/xrandr`), FreeBSD, and NetBSD.

## Why It Matters
XRandR is a critical utility for the management of display servers in Unix-like environments. As the command-line interface for the RandR extension, it bridges the gap between user commands and the complex display hardware configurations managed by X11. This tool is essential for system administrators and users who require scriptable, headless, or precise control over their graphical output without relying on a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Its significance is underscored by its widespread adoption and packaging across major Linux and BSD distributions, including Arch Linux, Gentoo, FreeBSD, and NetBSD. The continued development of XRandR—evidenced by updates as recent as November 2024—demonstrates its ongoing relevance in maintaining legacy and modern display setups within the X.org ecosystem. Furthermore, its release under the permissive MIT License ensures it remains accessible and free to use for a wide range of open-source and commercial applications.

## Notable For
- **Official CLI for RandR:** It is the dedicated command-line tool for the RandR X11 extension.
- **Cross-Platform Availability:** The tool is packaged for nearly all major Unix-like systems, including specific ports for FreeBSD and NetBSD.
- **Active Development:** The project maintains an active release cycle, with version 1.5.3 launched in late 2024.
- **Open Source:** It is distributed under the MIT License, a permissive free software license.
- **Integration:** It is deeply integrated into the X.org ecosystem, with documentation and resources hosted on the official X.org wiki.

## Body

### Technical Definition and Purpose
XRandR is defined as a command-line interface and free software. It is designed specifically to interface with the RandR (Resize and Rotate) extension of the X Window System, commonly referred to as X11. By providing a text-based interface, it enables the automation and scripting of display configuration tasks.

### Version History
The development of XRandR is tracked through a series of stable releases hosted on GitLab and announced via X.org mailing lists. Key versions include:
- **Version 1.5.0:** Released on February 23, 2016.
- **Version 1.5.2:** Released on December 3, 2022.
- **Version 1.5.3:** Released on November 7, 2024. This is currently marked as the preferred stable version.

### Distribution and Installation
XRandR is widely available across Unix-like operating systems through native package managers:
- **Arch Linux:** Available as `xorg-xrandr` and `xorg-xrandr-git` (AUR).
- **Gentoo:** Available in the repository as `x11-apps/xrandr`.
- **FreeBSD:** Available via the port `x11/xrandr`.
- **NetBSD:** Available via packages `x11/liboldXrandr` and `x11/xrandr`.

### Development and Resources
The source code is maintained in a Git repository located at `https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/app/xrandr.git`. The project is associated with the Repology project name `xrandr`. Detailed documentation and project information are maintained on the official website at `https://www.x.org/wiki/Projects/XRandR/` and various community wikis, including the ArchWiki and Gentoo Wiki.

## References

1. [Source](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/app/xrandr/-/tags/xrandr-1.5.0)
2. [[ANNOUNCE] xrandr 1.5.2](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2022-December/003270.html)
3. [Source](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2024-November/003551.html)