Is it possible to set separate fish color configurations for light and dark system theme?

2 min read 19-10-2024
Is it possible to set separate fish color configurations for light and dark system theme?

When it comes to personalizing your command line experience, the Fish shell (Friendly Interactive SHell) offers a variety of customization options. One intriguing question is whether it's possible to set separate color configurations for the Fish shell based on the light or dark system theme.

The Problem Scenario

The issue at hand revolves around determining if Fish allows for distinct color schemes for its prompts and outputs, depending on whether the operating system is using a light or dark theme. In order to understand this, let's explore a relevant snippet of code that demonstrates how one might attempt to configure Fish colors.

if test "$theme" = "dark"
    set -g fish_color_normal white
    set -g fish_color_command green
else
    set -g fish_color_normal black
    set -g fish_color_command blue
end

Understanding the Code

The provided code snippet checks for a variable $theme to decide which color scheme to apply to the Fish shell. In this example, if the theme is dark, it assigns white to the normal text and green to the command text. If the theme is light, it assigns black and blue, respectively.

The Solution: Dynamic Color Configuration

While the Fish shell does not natively detect system themes (light or dark) out of the box, there are ways to achieve this customization with additional scripts and tools. Below is a practical solution to implement dynamic color changes based on your operating system’s current theme.

  1. Use a Script to Check the Current Theme: Write a script that checks your system's theme and sets an environment variable accordingly.

    For example, on a Unix-like system with GNOME, you can use gsettings to retrieve the current theme:

    #!/bin/bash
    theme=$(gsettings get org.gnome.desktop.interface gtk-theme)
    if [[ $theme == *"dark"* ]]; then
        echo "dark"
    else
        echo "light"
    fi
    
  2. Modify Your Fish Configuration: You can then utilize this script within your config.fish file to set up color schemes dynamically:

    set theme (bash /path/to/check-theme.sh)
    
    if test "$theme" = "dark"
        set -g fish_color_normal white
        set -g fish_color_command green
    else
        set -g fish_color_normal black
        set -g fish_color_command blue
    end
    

Conclusion: A Personalized Experience

In summary, while Fish does not directly support separate color configurations for light and dark themes, you can achieve this functionality by implementing a simple script and modifying your Fish configuration. This not only enhances your command line aesthetics but also improves visibility depending on your environment.

Additional Resources

For more information on customizing the Fish shell, consider checking out the following resources:

By personalizing your command line environment, you can make your coding experience not only more enjoyable but also more efficient. Take advantage of these tips to create a tailored setup that fits your personal style and workflow!