Inputting chat message in Minecraft (probably with IM)

mc_chat.sh

#!/bin/bash

# Dependencies:
# * xdotool
# * xclip
# * kdialog or zenity
# * perl (only if "sleep 0.3" (float) is not accepted)
# Usage:
# Bind this script to a keyboard shortcut and then press it in Minecraft.
# Configuration:
paste_sleep=0.3 # Increase if chat is sent too early, before paste is accepted.
dialog_text="Chat:"

# == The script now begins ==

dialog="kdialog --inputbox \"$dialog_text\""
if ! which kdialog; then
  if which zenity; then
    dialog="zenity --entry --text=\"$dialog_text\""
  else
    echo "Please install kdialog or zenity."
    exit 1
  fi
fi

portable_sleep() {
  sleep $1 >/dev/null 2>/dev/null || perl -e "select(undef,undef,undef,$1);"
}

xdotool key "t"
eval set -- $dialog
if text=$("$@"); then
  echo -n "$text" | xclip -i -selection clipboard
  xdotool key "ctrl+v"
  portable_sleep $paste_sleep
  xdotool key Return
else
  xdotool key Escape
  exit 1
fi