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Create Custom ADMIN Commands
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Want to create your own admin-style commands like "ADMIN TERM" or "ADMIN REBOOT"?
With a small tool called AutoKey, you can set up easy-to-type triggers that launch programs or run scripts -- all from the MDI line.
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What Is AutoKey?
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AutoKey is a Linux automation tool that lets you define "phrases" or text snippets that trigger actions. These actions can be:
- Replacing text
- Running Python scripts
- Launching programs
- Executing custom shell scripts
Once set up, you can type something like "ADMIN TERM" and it will open a terminal window immediately.
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How to Install AutoKey
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1. Open a terminal window (CTRL + ALT + X normally)
2. Run this command:
sudo apt install autokey-gtk
This installs the GTK version of AutoKey, which works well with Linux Mint and other desktop environments.
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Setting Up Your First ADMIN Command
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1. Open AutoKey from the Start Menu (just search "AutoKey").
2. Create a new "Phrase".
3. Name it something like: ADMIN TERM
4. Under the "Abbreviation" tab:
- Set the abbreviation text to: ADMIN TERM
- Set the trigger mode to: "Immediate"
5. Under the "Script" tab, enter a Python script like this:
import subprocess
subprocess.Popen(["mate-terminal"])
Now, whenever you type "ADMIN TERM" followed by a space, your terminal will open.
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More Examples
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[ADMIN GEDIT]
Opens the default text editor:
import subprocess
subprocess.Popen(["gedit"])
[ADMIN REBOOT]
Runs a reboot script (no confirmation prompts):
import subprocess
subprocess.Popen(["/home/operator/gcode/scripts/reboot.sh"])
You can write this reboot script in Bash if you prefer not to handle system calls in Python.
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Why Use This?
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- Speed: Type a short trigger, run a full command or program instantly.
- Simplicity: No need to memorize shell commands or navigate menus.
- Flexibility: You can call apps, scripts, or even chain commands.
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Final Notes
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- Be careful with commands like reboot or shutdown -- they run immediately.
- You don't need to be a programmer -- most of these scripts are just one line.
- You can organize your shortcuts into folders like "ADMIN" for easy sorting.
This is a great way to streamline common admin tasks with minimal effort.
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