If you're a Linux user, you may have encountered situations where you need to show a message box to display important information or prompt the user for input. While the command line is the go-to place for many Linux users, sometimes a graphical user interface (GUI) can be more effective in conveying information. In this guide, we will explore how to create a Bash script that displays a GUI message box in Linux.
Before we dive into the code, it's important to understand the tools we will be using. We will be using the Zenity tool, which is a command-line utility that allows you to create simple GUIs in Bash scripts. It is pre-installed on most Linux distributions, but if it's not available on your system, you can easily install it using the package manager specific to your distribution.
Now, let's get started with the code. The first step is to create a new Bash script and give it executable permissions. Open your preferred text editor, such as Nano or Vim, and enter the following code:
```bash
#!/bin/bash
# This is a Bash script that displays a GUI message box
# Author: [Your Name]
# Displaying a message box using Zenity
zenity --info --text="Hello, this is a message box!"
```
Save the file as "message_box.sh" and give it executable permissions using the command `chmod +x message_box.sh`. Now, when you run the script using `./message_box.sh`, you will see a simple message box pop up with the text "Hello, this is a message box!".
But what if you want to customize the message and add some options for the user to choose from? Zenity provides various options to make your message box more interactive. Let's modify our code to include a title, a customizable message, and two buttons for the user to choose from. Your code should now look like this:
```bash
#!/bin/bash
# This is a Bash script that displays a GUI message box
# Author: [Your Name]
# Defining variables
TITLE="Message Box"
MESSAGE="Do you want to continue?"
BUTTON_YES="Yes"
BUTTON_NO="No"
# Displaying a message box using Zenity
zenity --question --title="$TITLE" --text="$MESSAGE" --ok-label="$BUTTON_YES" --cancel-label="$BUTTON_NO"
```
Save the file and run it again. You will now see a message box with a title, a customized message, and two buttons labeled "Yes" and "No". When the user clicks on either button, the script will exit and return an exit status of 0 for "Yes" and 1 for "No".
You can also add more options to your message box, such as an informative icon, a default button, and a timeout for the message. The Zenity manual provides detailed information on all the available options.
Now, let's take it a step further and create a message box that asks for user input. We will use the `--entry` option to display a text field for the user to enter their name. We will also use the `--width` option to specify the size of the text field. Modify your code to look like this:
```bash
#!/bin/bash
# This is a Bash script that displays a GUI message box
# Author: [Your Name]
# Defining variables
TITLE="Message Box"
MESSAGE="Please enter your name:"
BUTTON_OK="OK"
DEFAULT="Your Name"
# Displaying a message box using Zenity
zenity --entry --title="$TITLE" --text="$MESSAGE" --width=200 --entry-text="$DEFAULT" --ok-label="$BUTTON_OK"
```
When you run the script, you will see a message box with a text field and a button labeled "OK". The user can enter their name and click on the "OK" button, and the script will exit, returning the name entered by the user.
In conclusion, creating a GUI message box in Linux using a Bash script is a simple and effective way to convey information or prompt the user for input. With the help of Zenity, you can create interactive and customizable message boxes that can enhance the user experience on the command line. So the next time you need to display a message on your Linux system, consider using this handy Bash script guide.
