How to Save Files Automatically in Gedit

Edited 2 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Gedit is a lightweight and straightforward text editor often used on Linux-based operating systems. Although Gedit does not natively support autosave functionality, you can add this feature using a plugin or script. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up autosave in Gedit either manually or using an extension, providing a comprehensive understanding of the different methods and options available. Read on to learn how to automatically save your work in Gedit, which can save you from potential data loss during an unexpected shutdown or crash.

Understanding Gedit and its plugins

Before delving deeper into the specifics, it would be helpful to understand a bit about Gedit's plugin system. Gedit is an extensible text editor, which means you can add plugins to extend its functionality. Plugins are additional scripts and software components that can be added to Gedit to bring new features. By default, Gedit comes with a set of plugins for tasks like text highlighting, word count, etc., but you can also install third-party plugins. Generally, plugins are stored in specific directories, and Gedit loads them when opened.

Method 1: Using a Bash Script for Autosave

The first method involves using a simple bash script to periodically save your files open in Gedit. This approach is beneficial for users who prefer command-line solutions and are comfortable with scripting. Here is a step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Open the Terminal

Most Linux distributions come with a terminal. You can open it by searching for 'Terminal' in your Applications menu or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

Step 2: Write the Bash Script

Create a bash script using your favorite text editor. The script will implement Gedit's DBus interface to save files at regular intervals. Here is an example of a bash script to automatically save Gedit files:

#!/bin/bash
while true;
do
    gdbus call --session \
    --dest=org.gnome.gedit --object-path=/org/gnome/gedit \
    --method=org.gnome.gedit.App.ActiveWindowSave
    sleep 60
done

Explanation of the script

• #!/bin/bash - This is the line that tells the system that it should use the bash interpreter to run the script.
• while true; – This creates an infinite loop. The loop will keep executing until you stop it manually.
• gdbus call - This line uses GDBus to call the save method on the active Gedit window using D-Bus messages.
• sleep 60 command tells the script to wait for 60 seconds before running again, effectively saving every minute.

Step 3: Make the script executable

After saving your script, you must make it executable before you can run it. This can be done with the following command:

chmod +x autosave_gedit.sh

Step 4: Run the script

You can now run your script using the following:

./autosave_gedit.sh

The script will run in the background and save your open Gedit files every minute. You can stop it by pressing Ctrl+C in the terminal where it is running or by closing the terminal.

Comment:

This method assumes that Gedit has a session for D-Bus. If Gedit does not create a session or if the preferences for Gedit differ in different distributions, it may not work.

Method 2: Using the Gedit Plugin

Another way to get automatic saving in Gedit is to install a plugin that provides autosave functionality. To do this, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Find the appropriate plugin

Although Gedit does not have a built-in autosave feature, there is a community of developers that create plugins for Gedit. You can search for Gedit plugins that provide autosaving capabilities. GitHub or other repository hosting services may be a good place to search for such plugins.

Step 2: Install the Plugin

Once you find a plugin, you'll need to install it. This usually involves downloading the plugin and moving it to the correct directory where Gedit expects the plugin.

• For system-wide plugins, move the plugin to /usr/lib/gedit/plugins/.
• For user-specific plugins, the directory is usually ~/.local/share/gedit/plugins/.

Step 3: Enable the Plugin

After installation, open Gedit and go to Edit > Preferences, then go to the Plugins tab. Check the box next to the plugin you just installed to enable it.

Step 4: Configure the Plugin

Some plugins may include additional configuration options for you to set the autosave interval or other features. You can usually find these options in the same preferences dialog under the plugin's description.

Method 3: Using Autokey Script

AutoKey is a desktop automation utility for Linux, which can also be used to autosave documents in Gedit. Here is how you can use AutoKey to autosave:

Step 1: Install Autokey

You can install AutoKey from your distribution's package manager. For example, on Ubuntu you can use the following command:

sudo apt install autokey-gtk

Step 2: Create an Autokey Script

Open AutoKey and create a new script. In the script window, add a script that automatically saves your Gedit file. Here's a rough idea of what the script will look like:

while True:
    keyboard.send_keys("^s")  # '^s' is the hotkey for 'Save' in most text editors
    time.sleep(60)  # Saves every 60 seconds

Step 3: Run the Autokey script

Run the script. It should now interact with Gedit to save your file at regular intervals.

Notes:

• Make sure your Gedit window is focused, as the AutoKey script sends keystrokes to the active window.
• You can modify the interval by changing the sleep value in the script.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Gedit doesn’t include a built-in autosave feature, you can enable this functionality through the use of scripts and plugins. By using Linux tools like Bash or AutoKey, or by taking advantage of third-party plugins, you can ensure that your documents are automatically saved as you work. Choosing the right solution will depend on your comfort with scripts, the Gedit version you’re using, and any specific needs you have for autosaving. By automating the save process, you can ensure that your work is backed up regularly, reducing the risk of losing data due to unforeseen circumstances.

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