nedrichards

nedrichards / whatcable-linux

Public

GNOME USB-C cable and power diagnostic viewer for Linux

gnome linux python usb usb-c
10
0
100% credibility
Found May 05, 2026 at 10 stars -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
Python
AI Summary

A Linux desktop application that reads hardware details about USB-C ports, cables, power delivery, and USB devices to display them in plain English via a graphical interface or text output.

How It Works

1
🖥️ USB Trouble?

You're using your Linux computer and notice a USB charger, cable, or device isn't charging or connecting properly.

2
📥 Get WhatCable

You find this free tool online and easily add it to your Linux setup, like installing any helpful app.

3
🚀 Launch the App

Open WhatCable and instantly see a friendly list of your computer's USB ports and connected devices with simple summaries.

4
👀 Spot Your Ports

Scroll through sections like USB-C ports, USB devices, and advanced connections, each marked with a colorful status dot.

5
🔍 Check Details

Tap any item to reveal easy-to-read facts about power roles, speeds, capabilities, and what's plugged in.

✅ Issue Clear!

You now understand your cable's power limits, device speeds, or connection quirks, ready to troubleshoot or shop smarter.

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is whatcable-linux?

Whatcable-linux is a Python-powered GNOME USB-C cable and power diagnostic viewer for Linux desktops. It scans kernel sysfs to reveal plain-English details on Type-C ports, connected cables, partners, Power Delivery capabilities, USB devices, and even Thunderbolt/USB4 sources—without needing root access. Run the GTK4/libadwaita GUI for a polished interface, or use CLI flags like --json and --raw for scripting.

Why is it gaining traction?

Unlike scattered sysfs grepping or macOS-inspired ports, it delivers a native GNOME Shell experience with live monitoring, hero cards for ports, and toggleable raw data—perfect alongside tools like gnome-tweaks github or gnome-network displays github. Flatpak-ready with AppStream metadata, it auto-refreshes on changes and exports JSON for automation, filling a gap in Linux USB-C diagnostics.

Who should use this?

Hardware tinkerers debugging slow charging or finicky USB-C docks on Fedora or Ubuntu GNOME setups. Laptop repair techs verifying cable identities and PD watts during diagnostics. Kernel devs or gnome extension authors testing USB peripherals without bootable USB creators or terminal hacks.

Verdict

Grab the Flatpak for quick USB-C insights—it's mature enough at v0.1.0 with solid docs and tests, but 10 stars and 1.0% credibility signal early days; submit to Flathub to boost it.

(178 words)

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