Shiftparens
A simple reimplementation of the shift-parenthesis concept in Python, for Linux only.
Uses parts of uinputmapper (to read from event devices), but that might be replaced with libevdev someday.
Uses xdotool if you choose it as emitter (install it from your distribution's repositories). Requires python-daemon if you want to run daemonized.
Rationale
Similar projects: xcape, keydouble, actkbd, python-uinput. Xcape works exactly like the original concept, but is restricted to X11 and single keys. Actkbd can process sequences, but not precise push-release ones. Python-uinput can only generate, not read keys.
Usage
Run python parens.py. If you see "permission denied" errors, you might need to configure your udev. In case it doesn't detect your keyboard properly (you have more than one), pass the correct device path with a command-line option.
By default there are 5 mappings:
- press and release LeftShift:
( - press and release RightShift:
) - first LeftShift then RightShift (released in either order):
() - first RightShift then LeftShift:
)( - press and release LeftCtrl: equivalent to pressing ESC
Emitters
Emitters are modules which do the actual insertion of events into what you're typing. At the moment, you can choose from several:
- xdo: uses xdotool command-line app to send X11 events
- uinput: emits keys via kernel input ioctls, no dependencies except write permissions on /dev/input
- xtest: FFI interface to libXTest, no dependencies, your X server probably supports XTest and has it enabled
- vim: sends commands to a Vim instance. Only if Vim has focus and is in insert or replace mode. Optionally configure Vim to automatically run it. If you have trouble getting it working, see Vim troubleshooting.