Autostart

A simple Python utility to read TOML configuration files and execute defined commands. It is designed to launch programs that, for some reason, just don't want to launch via the desktop environment's 'startup applications' settings after login.

Configuration

The program looks for a nu-tasks.toml file in the following locations:

1. Current directory
2. ~/.config/autostart/nu-tasks.toml

Configuration Format

[section_name]
command = "command_to_execute"
params = "command_parameters"

Example:

[espanso]
command = "espanso"
params = "start --unmanaged"

Installation

pip install -r requirements.txt

You may prefer to isolate the program's dependencies from the rest of your system by using a virtual environment. Typically this requires you to use a tool such as python -m venv or uv. Preparing and using a virtual environment is outside the scope of this document.

As autostart.py isn't meant to be run as root, you might consider finding a safe place to install the executable and the virtual environment (venv) subdirectory, such as ~/.local/autostart/.

Usage

python autostart.py

The program will read the configuration file and execute all defined commands in separate processes.

You might want to add a line to the end of your ~/.profile file to execute autostart.py, thusly: ~/path/to/autostart/autostart.py.

TODO

• a help (-h or --help) option.
• basic documentation on setting up a virtual environment
• simple logging