If you're looking to add a little charm or wit to your Linux terminal, fortune is the perfect tool. This classic command-line utility prints out random quotes, jokes, or proverbs each time you run it. It’s lightweight, fun, and surprisingly addictive.
What is Fortune?
Originally part of BSD UNIX, fortune displays a random quotation from a pre-written database. Over the years, it has become a favorite among Linux users, especially when combined with tools like cowsay or lolcat for extra flair.
Why Use It?
- Lightweight and fast
- Great for adding fun to your shell prompt or login session
- Highly customizable with additional quote databases
Installation
- Ubuntu / Debian:
sudo apt install fortune
- Fedora:
sudo dnf install fortune-mod
- Arch Linux:
sudo pacman -S fortune-mod
Basic Usage
fortune
Each time you run it, a different quote will appear. You can also use it with cowsay for extra fun:
fortune | cowsay
Adding It to .bashrc or .zshrc
Want to see a new fortune every time you open a terminal? Just add the following line to your ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc:
fortune
Conclusion
fortune might not boost your productivity, but it’ll definitely brighten your day. Try pairing it with other fun terminal tools and surprise yourself with a random quote every time you log in!
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