Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is a stable and reliable Linux distribution, widely used for both personal and professional environments. One way to improve your workflow on Ubuntu is by using application launchers. These tools offer a quick way to launch apps, search files, and run commands. Ulauncher is one of the most popular options in this category, known for its speed, extensibility, and user-friendly interface.
If you’re looking to make your Ubuntu desktop more efficient, installing Ulauncher is a great step. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Ulauncher in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, customizing it, and getting the most out of its features.
What is Ulauncher?
Ulauncher is a fast and lightweight application launcher for Linux. It’s written in Python and GTK, and it integrates seamlessly into your desktop environment. What sets Ulauncher apart is its support for extensions and fuzzy search, allowing users to perform actions quickly and intuitively. Once installed, you can summon it by pressing a predefined hotkey (usually Ctrl + Space) and start typing to launch applications or execute custom commands.
Installing Ulauncher on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
Ulauncher is not included in the default Ubuntu repositories, but installing it is still straightforward. You’ll just need to add the official PPA and install the application using a few terminal commands. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Terminal
You can open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for “Terminal” in the Activities overview.
Step 2: Add the Ulauncher PPA
Run the following command to add the official Ulauncher Personal Package Archive (PPA):
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:agornostal/ulauncherThen update your package list:
sudo apt updateStep 3: Install Ulauncher
Now that the PPA is added and updated, install Ulauncher with:
sudo apt install ulauncherThis command will download and install Ulauncher along with its dependencies.
Step 4: Launch Ulauncher
Once the installation is complete, you can run Ulauncher by typing:
ulauncherTo make it start automatically at boot, open Ulauncher settings, go to the “Preferences” and enable the option to launch on system startup.
Customizing and Extending Ulauncher
Ulauncher supports a range of extensions that allow you to expand its functionality. These extensions can help with tasks like file searching, clipboard management, SSH connections, and even web searches.
To get started with extensions:
- Open Ulauncher and click on the gear icon to enter Preferences.
- Navigate to the Extensions tab.
- Visit the official Ulauncher Extensions website here.
- Find an extension you like, and copy its installation command.
- Paste the command into the Extensions tab inside Ulauncher.
Remember to install Python dependencies if the extension requires them. Installing virtualenv might help keep things clean and manageable.
Why Use Ulauncher?
Here are a few compelling reasons to use Ulauncher:
- Speed: Launch apps instantly without navigating through menus.
- Custom Scripts: Run custom commands or scripts directly from the search bar.
- Keyboard Navigation: Reduce mouse usage and improve efficiency.
- Extensions: Expand the app to suit nearly any workflow.
Troubleshooting Tips
If Ulauncher doesn’t start or behaves unexpectedly, try resetting its configuration:
rm -rf ~/.config/ulauncherThis will delete all existing settings and allow you to reconfigure it from scratch. Also, ensure your system Python dependencies are up to date, especially if you’re using third-party extensions.
Conclusion
With Ulauncher installed on your Ubuntu 20.04 LTS system, you’ll enjoy a smoother and more productive desktop experience. Its extensible architecture and responsive design make it a must-have tool for any power user or developer. By streamlining how you access applications and tools, Ulauncher can help you save time and increase your focus on what matters most.
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