SnippetStore

Extension for Albert Launcher, used to store and retrieve code-snippets or other texts

I coded this, because I like Albert and use it a lot, and I didn't find a nice tool for easy access to code snippets stored as plain text files on my drive. (imho plaintext files have the advantages over DBs or json/xml, that they are easier to sync e.g. with cloud and also accessible/readable without additional applications.)

Features

• Triggered by "sn"
• Uses a directory with plain-text files as source
• Search for text in those snippet-files
• Rank results based on number, position and sourroundings of occurrences
• Actions:
  • Paste directly (default)
  • Copy to clipboard
  • Open in associated application
  • Move to Trash bin
  • Open Snippet-Folder ("sn" without searchterm)

Dependencies

• Send2Trash: pip install Send2Trash
• xdotool search for it in your distro's repository

Manual installation

Download Snippet Store.py to one of Albert Launchers folders for python extensions:

• ~/.local/share/albert/org.albert.extension.python/modules
• /usr/local/share/albert/org.albert.extension.python/modules
• /usr/share/albert/org.albert.extension.python/modules

Adjust the configuration, which is currently hard coded:

• SNIPPET_PATH = '/home/holger/cumulus/Notes/snippets' - Folder, where your snippet files are stored
• RECURSIVE = True - Shall snippet folder be indexed recursively?
• SNIPPET_EXT = 'md' - File extension of your snippet files
• iconPath = iconLookup('gedit') - Icon file to be shown in Albert

Activate in Albert:

• Open Albert Launcher's Settings
• Go to "Extensions"
• Make sure the "Python"-Extension is activated
• In the Python Extension settings, activate "Snippet Store"

Snippets

The first line of the snippet is always used as "Text" for Albert's results list. If the first line starts with '>', this char is stripped.

The second line of the snippet is always used as "Subtext" for Albert's results list. If the first line starts with '>', this char is stripped.

All text below 2nd line goes into the snippet and will be copied to clipboard.

However, if the second line starts with a '>', all text below the 3rd line will be copied to clipboard.

Examples:

> mkconfig update grub
> Update grub configuration after kernel update to be sure that external keyboard works correctly.
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

> Show size of Directory
sudo du -sh /data/mongodb

For the results, see Screenshot above.

Roadmap

Not sure if I ever do this, as I'm fine with the current state. But maybe if requested or of interest by others... hint hint

• Create new snippet from clipboard
• Move configuration out of source (not sure to where...)
• Find a solution for "Move to Trash" without external dependencies
• Test performance for many snippets