The im-config command provides the framework to configure the input method on X Window System. This input method is the essential mechanism for Japanese, Chinese and Korean (CJK) languages to enter their non-ASCII native characters.
Some input methods such as IBus, SCIM, and uim support not only one of these CJK languages but support almost all languages simultaneously by dynamically switching keyboard modes with GUI.
Configuration files for all input methods are located in /usr/share/im-config/config Each file name start with 2 digits number and the smallest one has priority. The highest priority input method is used under auto configuration mode.
The X start up code sources /etc/X11/Xsession.d/80im-config_launch which read the configuration file and activates the input method. If the user configuration file ~/.xinputrc exists, it is used. Otherwise the system configuration file /etc/X11/xinit/xinputrc is used.
This structure ensures to have different imput methods to be installed side-by-side.
im-config takes no options and use available UI. im-config.gtk uses GTK UI. im-config.console uses console dialog UI.