udevmon

Start udevmon with specified configuration file

$ udevmon -c [path/to/config.yaml]

udevmon

udevmon is a lightweight daemon specifically designed for desktop environments like LXDE. Its primary function is to monitor udev events, which are generated by the Linux kernel when device states change (e.g., a USB drive is plugged in, a monitor is connected or disconnected). Upon detecting relevant events, udevmon can trigger pre-configured actions or scripts, allowing for automatic device configuration and management. For instance, it can automatically invoke tools like lxrandr to adjust display settings when an external monitor is connected, or facilitate the automounting of removable storage devices. It runs silently in the background, ensuring a responsive and dynamic user experience without requiring manual intervention for common hardware changes.

This command is primarily associated with the LXDE desktop environment and its related components. Its functionality might be integrated differently or superseded by native system-wide udev handling mechanisms (like systemd-udevd) in other desktop environments or non-LXDE systems. Users typically do not interact with udevmon directly after it has been launched by the session manager.

In the LXDE desktop environment, udevmon plays a crucial role in enhancing user convenience by automating responses to hardware changes. It allows components like lxrandr to automatically adjust screen resolutions or configurations when monitors are connected or disconnected, and helps manage removable media without requiring manual mounting. It is typically started automatically as part of the LXDE session startup.

udevmon was developed as part of the Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment (LXDE) project. It was created to provide dynamic device management capabilities, such as automatic display configuration and removable media handling, specifically tailored for resource-efficient desktop environments where a full-fledged systemd or other complex daemons might be considered too heavy. Its development aligned with LXDE's philosophy of offering a fast and energy-efficient user experience.

udevadm(8), udev(7), systemd-udevd(8), lxsession(1), lxrandr(1)