slouch's blog

Today I Remember - Linux Desktop Automation

After receiving an edge-case in one of the systems I maintain. I had to come up with a pretty janky script to automate a Linux desktop application.

If you find yourself in the same situation, you might want to check out xdotool. This powerful tool offers a wide range of features for automating tasks such as window manipulation, keypress simulation, and more.

With just a few simple commands, you can automate a wide range of tasks, from opening and closing windows to simulating mouse clicks and keypresses. For example, you can use xdotool to move and resize windows, switch between desktops, and even automate web browsing tasks such as form filling and navigation.

In addition, xdotool is highly customizable, with a wide range of options and parameters that allow you to fine-tune your automation scripts to meet your specific needs. And because xdotool is a command-line tool, it can be easily integrated into shell scripts and other automation workflows, making it a great choice for both casual and professional Linux users alike.

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