[SOLVED] XFCE desktop Launcher - one-line command how-to

ACRIzona · 01-30-2020, 07:30 PM

We often run Terminal and type in commands like: "echo Hello World",
"cat /etc/linuxmint/info", "ping 123.456.7.8".

I want to create desktop XFCE Launchers with one-line commands,,, not using a BASH script.

How-to: Right click on XFCE background and run "Create Launcher".
Enter Name:"OneLiner",
Command: "echo Hello world",
Select "Run in terminal"
click Create.

Click the new launcher to test.
After a short wait, an error message "Failed to run "OneLiner.desktop"

I cannot believe this can be that difficult !

scasey · 01-30-2020, 07:53 PM

When you run in a terminal, you are also “in” a shell, which provides you with an environment including paths to commands (PATH)
Try using the absolute paths to commands.

ACRIzona · 01-30-2020, 08:39 PM

Tried:
Launcher command: /bin/echo Hello world
Option: Run in terminal
Same results - nothing.

DavidMcCann · 01-31-2020, 10:49 AM

I think that you need this:

Code:

xfce4-terminal --command="echo 'Hello World'"

ACRIzona · 01-31-2020, 12:11 PM

Something??? flashes on the desktop.
If I run Terminal and Enter: xfce4-terminal --command="echo 'Hello World'"
Something flashes on the next line.
There must be a default 'execute + exit' parameter somewhere.

Note:
I have found this same problem in three other forums. No solution found. (without using a script file).
What ever happened to DOS ?

DavidMcCann · 02-01-2020, 11:17 AM

I can see the problem. Using a command like

Code:

xfce4-terminal --command="units"

works because the terminal stays running so long as the program units is using it. But the echo command stops after it's done its job, and so the terminal closes before you can see it. I tried altering the command to "echo 'Hello' && sleep 5" but that doesn't help. You need a real bash expert here, and that's not me.

ACRIzona · 02-02-2020, 07:17 PM

I need a desktop tool that be handled over-the-phone, ultra-simple. Obviously 'Launcher' won't do.
However, I did discover another work-around:

Create a new file: /usr/local/bin/wrapper containing:

#!/bin/bash
$@
/bin/bash

Make: wrapper executable.

Edit: Launcher: Command: xfce4-terminal -x wrapper echo "hello world"

.... or .... wrapper cat /etc/linuxmint/info
.... Tested OK with 1 command only.
.... Failed using wrapper echo "hello world" ; cat /etc/linuxmint/info

Thanks for your input.