xgc

xgc [-rgb] [-dev filename] [-max colors] [color ...]

-rgb
    Shows the Red, Green, and Blue values for the specified colors. These values are typically given as numbers ranging from 0 to 65535 (or 0-255 in hex for simpler representation).

-dev filename
    Specifies an alternative device-specific color name database file to be used instead of the default rgb.txt. This allows using custom or application-specific color definitions.

-max colors
    Specifies the maximum number of colors to process or display. This is useful for truncating output from very large color databases, limiting the number of entries shown.

color ...
    A list of one or more color specifications (e.g., 'red', '#FF0000', 'rgb:ff/00/00') to be processed. If no colors are specified, xgc reads and lists the contents of the default color database file.

xgc, the X Graphic Converter, is a utility primarily used to list the contents of X color name databases, such as the standard rgb.txt file. When invoked without arguments, it reads and displays all color names and their corresponding RGB values from the default color database (typically /usr/share/X11/rgb.txt).

Alternatively, users can provide specific color names as command-line arguments, and xgc will convert these names into their numerical RGB values, or vice-versa depending on the input and options. It can also be directed to use a different color database file instead of the default. This command is part of the X Window System utilities, making it a specialized tool for developers and users working with graphical applications and color management within the X environment.

xgc is an X Window System utility, meaning it is primarily designed for environments running the X server. While it can often run on systems without a full graphical display, its primary utility is in managing colors relevant to X applications. It's not a general-purpose color converter for non-X contexts.

xgc is a long-standing component of the X Window System's utility suite, dating back to early versions of X. It has been maintained as part of the x11-apps or xutils packages, serving its niche role in managing and inspecting the X color name database. Its functionality has remained largely consistent over decades, reflecting the stable nature of the core X color management system.

xcolor(1), rgb(1), X(7)