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Asked: 2024-09-27T06:02:34+05:30 In:

How can I set up scripts to run automatically on startup in Kubuntu 24.04?

I’ve been tinkering with my Kubuntu 24.04 system lately, and I want to streamline my workflow a bit. You know how when you boot up your machine and it feels like you have to manually open all your favorite apps and scripts? Yeah, that. It’s totally eating into my productivity in the morning—especially when I’m trying to avoid becoming a zombie before my first cup of coffee!

So, I was wondering if there’s a way to set up scripts to run automatically on startup in Kubuntu 24.04. I tried looking into the system settings, but it’s kind of overwhelming with all the options. I mean, I don’t want to mess anything up! There’s gotta be a better way to get the essential bits and bobs going without having to go through the hassle each time, right?

Like, let’s say I have a couple of scripts that help with projects I’m working on. They could be anything from launching my virtual environment for Python development to automatically firing up my favorite text editor with specific files loaded. I’ve seen some people talk about using “cron jobs” for automation, but I’m not sure if that’s the way to go for startup scripts. Plus, I heard there’s this thing called “autostart” in the KDE Plasmashell environment that might help, but I get lost in those details sometimes.

Also, how do I actually create the scripts? Is it something I should save in a specific directory, or just anywhere? I’d love it if someone could break down the steps in a way that even a noob like me can follow. It’d be amazing to just boot up my laptop, grab that coffee, and walk into a beautifully tuned workspace – instead of staring at a blank screen like I’m starting from scratch every time.

So, any tips, tricks, or detailed steps on how to get this all sorted out would be super appreciated. I’m all ears!

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    2 Answers

    1. To automate the launching of your favorite applications and scripts on startup in Kubuntu 24.04, you can utilize the Autostart feature in KDE Plasma. First, create your desired scripts if you haven’t done so. Open a text editor and write your script (for example, to launch a Python virtual environment, you might include something like `source /path/to/your/venv/bin/activate`). Save your script with a `.sh` extension, for example, `launch_dev_env.sh`, and give it executable permissions by running `chmod +x /path/to/launch_dev_env.sh` in the terminal. Make sure to choose a directory that is easily accessible, typically scripts can be kept in your home directory or a dedicated `~/scripts` folder.

      Next, to set up your script to run on startup, navigate to the ‘System Settings’ in your KDE Plasma environment. Look for the ‘Startup and Shutdown’ section, and then select ‘Autostart’. Here you can add your new script by clicking on the ‘Add Script…’ button and selecting the script you created earlier. Alternatively, you can also create a `.desktop` file in `~/.config/autostart/`, where you can specify the command to run your script. For example, the contents might look something like this: [Desktop Entry]
      Type=Application
      Exec=/path/to/launch_dev_env.sh
      Hidden=false
      X-GNOME-Autostart-enabled=true
      Name[en_US]=Launch Dev Environment
      Name=Launch Dev Environment. Save this file with a `.desktop` extension. Once set up, you can reboot your system, grab your coffee, and enjoy a streamlined workspace that opens exactly as you want it!

    2. Setting Up Your Startup Scripts in Kubuntu 24.04

      If you want to streamline your startup process and automatically run scripts or apps when you boot up your Kubuntu 24.04 system, you can easily do this using the KDE Plasma autostart feature. Here’s how to get it all sorted out step by step:

      1. Creating Your Scripts

      First, you’ll need to create the scripts you want to run at startup. You can save these scripts anywhere, but a good practice is to keep them in a dedicated directory like ~/scripts. Here’s how you can create a simple script:

      mkdir ~/scripts
nano ~/scripts/startup_script.sh

      This will create a new directory for your scripts and open up a text editor. You can write your commands inside this file. For example:

      #!/bin/bash
source ~/my_python_env/bin/activate
kate ~/my_project/somefile.txt

      Make sure to give it executable permissions:

      chmod +x ~/scripts/startup_script.sh

      2. Adding Your Scripts to Autostart

      Now that you have your script ready, it’s time to add it to the autostart configuration:

      1. Open the KDE System Settings.
      2. Go to Startup and Shutdown.
      3. Click on Autostart.
      4. In the Autostart window, click on Add Script….
      5. Browse to your script’s location (~/scripts/startup_script.sh) and select it.
      6. Click OK.

      3. Testing Your Setup

      After adding your script, you can test it right away by rebooting your system. When your computer starts up, it should automatically run your script, activating your Python environment and opening your text file in Kate. Enjoy your freshly started workspace with a cup of coffee!

      Final Tips

      If you want to add more scripts, just repeat the process for each one. Also, make sure the scripts run correctly in your terminal before adding them to autostart, as this will help you catch any issues early on.

      Using this method, you won’t need to worry about manually opening applications and scripts every day—your computer will be ready for you!

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