MPCløkke

MPCløkke is a minimalist, open-source music player designed for Linux systems, particularly those using the PulseAudio sound server. Developed as a lightweight alternative to more feature-rich players, it emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. The application is written in C and leverages the libmpdclient library to interact with Music Player Daemon (MPD), a network-transparent music server. This setup allows users to control playback from any device on the local network, making it ideal for multi-room audio setups or remote control via mobile devices.

MPCløcke features a clean, text-based interface that displays essential playback information such as the current track, artist, album, and progress. Its keyboard-driven navigation ensures quick access to core functions like play, pause, skip, and volume adjustment without requiring a graphical user interface. The player supports playlists, equalizer settings, and basic metadata display, though it intentionally lacks advanced features like visualizations or complex playlist management.

The project was first released in 2015 and has seen modest updates over the years, focusing on stability and compatibility with newer versions of PulseAudio and MPD. Its development is community-driven, with contributions from users seeking a no-frills audio solution. MPCløcke is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), ensuring free access to its source code and encouraging further customization.

While MPCløcke may not appeal to users seeking multimedia integration or graphical enhancements, it remains a reliable choice for those prioritizing performance and minimalism in their music playback experience. Installation typically involves compiling the source code or using package managers for distributions that support third-party repositories.