Espanso: Text expander and more - Abbreviated
Linux Magazine|#272/July 2023: Open Data
Espanso is a cross-platform text expander that can do far more than simply replace text modules.
FERDINAND THOMMES
Espanso: Text expander and more - Abbreviated

A text expander replaces predefined abbreviations with stored text modules. One example of this is wkr, which expands to With kind regards after entering the abbreviation. The AutoKey [1] tool I used until a year ago was no longer fit for purpose because it only works on Linux and only on X11 – which leaves Wayland out in the cold.

As an alternative to AutoKey, Espanso [2] has been available since 2019, and it goes beyond simply replacing abbreviations in texts. The text expander, written in Rust, runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. You can install the application on Linux for Debian, Ubuntu, and other derivatives using a DEB package or as a DIY binary package. There are also AppImages and packages for Snap. Only the Arch User Repository (AUR) wants you to build Espanso directly. If your distribution is not directly supported, you can use the AppImage or build a package yourself. The developers are looking to extend this support over time.

Start by running the echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE command to check whether the system uses X11 or Wayland as the session type. Depending on the result, you may need to select different packages or source code in each case, as described in the installation instructions [3]. Listing 1 shows the setup of the DEB package under X11. To do this, first download the package, then run apt to install and make sure that the installation worked (lines 1 to 3). Finally, introduce the Espanso service to systemd (line 4).

Denne historien er fra #272/July 2023: Open Data-utgaven av Linux Magazine.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra #272/July 2023: Open Data-utgaven av Linux Magazine.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA LINUX MAGAZINESe alt
Tracking your finances with plain text accounting Plain Numbers
Linux Magazine

Tracking your finances with plain text accounting Plain Numbers

If you're tired of tinkering with spreadsheets, using hledger and plain text accounting offers a simpler method for managing your finances without vendor lock-in

time-read
4 mins  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Dependency resolution with apt-get and apt Evolutionary Tale
Linux Magazine

Dependency resolution with apt-get and apt Evolutionary Tale

Over the past 30 years, the apt family has played an important role in dependency resolution for Debian distros.

time-read
5 mins  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Cryptomining with Litecoin Traveling Lite
Linux Magazine

Cryptomining with Litecoin Traveling Lite

Although not as popular as headliners like Bitcoin and Ethereum, Litecoin is one of the oldest crytocurrencies, and it offers some useful features, such as dual-mining with Dogecoin.

time-read
5 mins  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Software Update SnoopGod
Linux Magazine

Software Update SnoopGod

SnoopGod delivers an Ubuntu-based pentesting distribution with an emphasis on security education.

time-read
6 mins  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Kernel Trouble
Linux Magazine

Kernel Trouble

This deep look at how intruders attack an out-of-date kernel should be enough to convince you of the need to stay vigilant.

time-read
3 mins  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Using Wake-on-LAN for a NAS backup Power Saver
Linux Magazine

Using Wake-on-LAN for a NAS backup Power Saver

Put your backup server to sleep when you don't need it and then wake it on demand using the Wake-on-LAN feature built into network adapters.

time-read
5 mins  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Time Travel
Linux Magazine

Time Travel

Mike Schilli uses a Go program to check whether a strategy for trading stocks is making gains or losses on the basis of historical price data.

time-read
8 mins  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
URL filtering with Pi-hole Into the Funnel
Linux Magazine

URL filtering with Pi-hole Into the Funnel

Supporting browser plug-ins, network-based DNS blockers like Pi-hole help protect you against online tracking and unwanted content.

time-read
10+ mins  |
#274/August 2023: The Best of Small Distros
Artificial intelligence on the Raspberry Pi Learning Experience
Linux Magazine

Artificial intelligence on the Raspberry Pi Learning Experience

You don't need a powerful computer system to use Al. We show what it takes to benefit from Al on the Raspberry Pi and what tasks the small computer can handle.

time-read
7 mins  |
#274/August 2023: The Best of Small Distros
MakerSpace Manage your greenhouse with a Raspberry Pi Pico W Sheltered Growth
Linux Magazine

MakerSpace Manage your greenhouse with a Raspberry Pi Pico W Sheltered Growth

You can safely assign some greenhouse tasks to a Raspberry Pi Pico W, such as controlling ventilation, automating a heater, and opening and closing windows.

time-read
7 mins  |
#274/August 2023: The Best of Small Distros