I use different user names for different activities online, so the username for a site is often just as important as the password. The `pass`system allows for this, even though it doesn't prompt you for it by default. You can add a user name to a password file using the `pass edit`command:
```
`$ pass edit www.example.com`
```
This opens a text editor (specifically the editor you have set as your `EDITOR`or `VISUAL`[environment variable][10]) displaying the contents of the `www.example.com`file. Currently, that's just a password, but you can add a user name and even another URL or any information you want. It's an encrypted file, so you're free to keep what you want in it.
```
bd%dc$3a49af49498bb6f31bc964718C
user: seth123
url: example.com
```
Save the file and close it.
### Get a password from pass
To see the contents of a password file, use the `pass show`command:
```
$ pass show [www.example.com][8]
bd%dc$3a49af49498bb6f31bc964718C
user: seth123
url: [www.example.org][11]
```
### Search for a password
Sometimes it's tough to remember whether a password is filed under `www.example.com`or just `example.com`or even something like `app.example.com`. Furthermore, some website infrastructures use different URLs for different site functions, so you might file a password away under `www.example.com`even though you also use the same login information for the partner site `www.example.org`.
When in doubt, use `grep`. The `pass grep`command shows all instances of a search term, either in a file name or in the contents of a file:
```
$ pass grep example
[www.example.com][8]:
url: [www.example.org][11]
```
### Using pass with a browser
I use `pass`for information beyond just internet passwords, but websites are where I most often need passwords. I usually have a terminal open somewhere on my computer, so it's not much trouble to **Alt+Tab**to a terminal and get the information I need with `pass`. But that's not what I do because there are plugins to integrate `pass`with web browsers.
This install script places a Python script that helps your browser access your password store and GPG keys. Run it along with the name of the browser you use (or nothing, to see all options):
```
`$ bash ./install_host_app.sh firefox`
```
If you use multiple browsers, you can install it for each.
#### Pass Add-on
Once you've installed the host application, you can install an add-on or extension for your browser. Search for the `PassFF`plugin in your browser's add-on or extension manager.
![PassFF][12]
(Seth Kenlon, [CC BY-SA 4.0][13])
Install the add-on, and then close and re-launch your browser.
Navigate to a site you've got a password for in your password store. There's now a small **P** icon in the right of your login text fields.
![PassFF browser prompt][14]
(Seth Kenlon, [CC BY-SA 4.0][13])
Click on the **P** button to see a list of matching site names in your password store.
![PassFF browser menu][15]
(Seth Kenlon, [CC BY-SA 4.0][13])
Click the pen-and-paper icon to fill in the form or the paper-airplane icon to fill and auto-submit the form.
Easy password management and fully integrated!
### Try pass as your Linux password manager
The `pass`command is a great option for users who want to manage passwords and personal information using tools they already use on a daily basis. If you rely on GPG and a terminal already, then you may enjoy the `pass`system. It's also an important option for users who don't want their passwords tied to a specific application. Maybe you don't use just one browser, or you don't like the idea that it might be difficult to extract your passwords from an application if you decide to stop using it. With `pass`, you maintain control of your secrets in a UNIX-like and straightforward system.
[1]: https://opensource.com/sites/default/files/styles/image-full-size/public/lead-images/linux_keyboard_desktop.png?itok=I2nGw78_ (Linux keys on the keyboard for a desktop computer)
