This is a script to mimimize or activate the gnome terminal that can be used as part of a global hotkey in the gnome keyboard shortcut preferences

ubuntu-terminal-window-visible-toggle

#!/usr/bin/env python3

# Source: https://gist.github.com/jdstapleton/f7e252eb2a64ce0dd1a57eec075cee3b
# Installation: 
#    - copy this script somewhere on your machine, and set its executable bit
#    - install `xdotool`, and `wmctrl` using your favorite package manager
#    - Go to the Keyboard Shortcuts control panel
#       - Scroll to the bottom to the 'Custom Shortcuts' section, click the `+` button
#       - `Name` to be 'Terminal' or something similar
#       - `Command` to be the path to the script where you copied it to.
#       - `Shortcut` assign something that you like `ctrl-shift-~` or `F12` or something.
# Test it out by pressing the shortcut a few times to hide/show the terminal window.

import subprocess
import os

script_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))

result = subprocess.run(['xdotool', 'getwindowfocus'], stdout=subprocess.PIPE)
focusWindowId = int(result.stdout.decode('utf-8').rstrip('\n'))

terminalWindowCommand = ['search', '--onlyvisible', '--classname', 'gnome-terminal']

result = subprocess.Popen(['xdotool', *terminalWindowCommand],
                          stdout=subprocess.PIPE)
gnomeTerminals = set([int(x.decode('utf-8').rstrip('\n')) for x in iter(result.stdout.readlines())])

# finally test to see if the terminal is activated, if not show it and activate, otherwise minimize it
if focusWindowId not in gnomeTerminals:
    for winId in gnomeTerminals:
        subprocess.run(['wmctrl', '-i', '-r', str(winId), '-b', 'add,above'])
    subprocess.run(['xdotool',
                    *terminalWindowCommand,
                    'windowraise',
                    'windowactivate'
                    ])
else:
    for winId in gnomeTerminals:
        subprocess.run(['wmctrl', '-i', '-r', str(winId), '-b', 'remove,above'])
    subprocess.run(['xdotool',
                    *terminalWindowCommand,
                    'windowminimize'])

sudo apt install xdotool wmctrl