Arch Linux

vlevit

Member

Registered: 2012-05-06

Posts: 2

xatk - binds windows to keys

Hi archers,

I've been using this program for a few years now, but for most it's new.

The idea is quite simple: for every window on the desktop xatk automatically assigns a unique keybinding, which raises a window.

Keybinding consists of a modifier, specified in the config, and a key, which is usually the first letter of the application name. More specific behavior is controlled by rules and history sections of the config.

If several windows of the same application are open, you can cycle between them by pressing the key they are assigned to multiple times. You can also switch to the specific window of the group by pressing mod+key1+key2, where key2 is also picked automatically (usually close to key1). The keys are placed to window titles.

Usage:
First, create a configuration file:

mkdir -p ~/.xatk && xatk --print-defaults > ~/.xatk/xatkrc

Customize it (optionally).
Run (it runs as daemon):

xatk

To exit, send SIGTERM, e.g.

pkill -f xatk

To run xatk on start-up you can add xatk to ~/.xinitrc or ~/.xprofile if you use a display manager.

Packages:
There are two packages in AUR (thanks to muhas): stable and hg version.

At the moment, what is missing in the stable version but is in hg: ability to run commands and locking mechanism (running two instances of xatk is not a good idea).

Dependencies are python2 and python-xlib.

Links: xatk Google Code page, wiki, bug tracker, Google Group.

PS If you are a native English speaker and want to contribute to the project, please, help to refine the documentation. Please, contact me and I'll give you a write access to the wiki pages. Or at least point out the mistakes.