Xdotool
Automate Keyboard and Mouse Actions
Xdotool is a powerful command-line utility for Linux that allows you to simulate keyboard input and mouse activity. It's an invaluable tool for scripting and automating repetitive tasks on your desktop environment. You can use Xdotool to send keystrokes, move the mouse, click buttons, and interact with windows programmatically.
Key Features and Usage
With Xdotool, you can automate a wide range of actions. For instance, you can simulate typing text, pressing specific keys, or even performing complex sequences of commands. This is particularly useful for setting up automated tests, managing system configurations, or creating custom workflows.
Example: Repeating Keystrokes
The following command demonstrates how to stroke the letter 'b' repeatedly. It will send the 'b' keypress 3600 times, with a 1000-millisecond (1 second) delay between each stroke. This is a basic example of how Xdotool can be used for repetitive input simulation.
# Stroke each the letter b each 1000 millisecond and repeat it 3600 times.
xdotool key --repeat 3600 --delay 1000 b
Advanced Automation with Xdotool
Beyond simple keystrokes, Xdotool offers extensive capabilities for mouse control, window manipulation, and more. You can find detailed documentation on its official resources and community forums to explore its full potential for desktop automation.