catstartx.py

#!/usr/bin/env python

import os, sys 

def find_next_free_x_display(max_tries = 10):
    """ 
    Find the next free X Display by 
    investigating the Xlocks in /tmp
    """   
    for i in range(max_tries):
        try_path = "/tmp/.X" + str(i) + "-lock"
        try:
            with open(try_path,"r"):
                pass
        except:
            return i
    else:
        return -1

def usage():
    print("Usage: {0} <appname> or when using wine: {0} wine <appname>".format(sys.argv[0]))


if __name__ == "__main__":
    if len(sys.argv) < 2 :
        usage()
    else:
        out = ""
        for x in sys.argv[2:]:
            out += (" " + x)

        display = find_next_free_x_display()
        if display != -1:
            os.system("xinit $(which " + sys.argv[1] + ")" + out + " -- :" + str(display))
        else:
            print("Sorry, couldn't find a free X display")