Getting Started with signal-cli: Your Command-Line Companion for Signal Messenger

Sep 26, 2021 | Programming

Are you ready to take your Signal messaging experience to the next level? With signal-cli, you can interact with the Signal messenger seamlessly through the command line. This guide will walk you through installation, usage, and troubleshooting to ensure you become a savvy signal-cli user!

What is signal-cli?

signal-cli is a command-line interface designed for the popular messaging tool, Signal. It simplifies registering, verifying, sending, and receiving messages directly from your terminal. Think of it as a bridge connecting your command line user to the secure world of Signal messaging.

Installation

Before diving into using signal-cli, you need to install it on your system. You can either build it yourself or use the provided binaries. Here’s how to install it on Linux:

  • Ensure you have Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 21 installed on your system.
  • Download the latest version:
  • export VERSION=latest version, format x.y.z
    wget https://github.com/AsamK/signal-cli/releases/download/v$VERSION/signal-cli-$VERSION.tar.gz
    sudo tar xf signal-cli-$VERSION.tar.gz -C /opt
    sudo ln -sf /opt/signal-cli-$VERSION/bin/signal-cli /usr/local/bin
  • For further instructions, refer to the Wiki.

Usage

Now that you have installed signal-cli, let’s explore how to use it effectively:

  • Registering a number: You will need a phone number to register:
  • signal-cli -a ACCOUNT register
  • Verification: Verify your number with the code received via SMS:
  • signal-cli -a ACCOUNT verify CODE
  • Sending a message:
    signal-cli -a ACCOUNT send -m "This is a message" RECIPIENT
  • Receiving messages:
    signal-cli -a ACCOUNT receive

To visualize this process, think of registering and sending messages through signal-cli like sending a postcard via the postal service. You start by providing your address (registering your number), writing a heartfelt note (composing a message), and finally dropping it in the mailbox (sending the message). Just like checking for your mail to receive postcards (receiving messages), staying on top of incoming messages ensures your mailbox is never empty!

Storage

Your account’s password and cryptographic keys are securely stored in your home directory:

  • $XDG_DATA_HOME/signal-cli/data
  • $HOME/.local/share/signal-cli/data

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while using signal-cli, here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure your Java Runtime is correctly installed and updated to JRE 21.
  • Double-check your phone number format; remember to include the country calling code.
  • If you face issues with registration, try using a different phone number.
  • Refer to the FAQ for more common questions.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

Signal-cli opens up a new dimension for users who prefer to use the command line for communicating. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily integrate Signal into your routine.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

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