[Delays] Espanso doesn't support replacements which include delays. A couple of alternatives. #espanso #bash #python

delays.yml

# Espanso doesn't support replacements which include delays
# A solution is to ignore Espanso's own replace and use another tool to inject characters
# Similar methods are available for Windows PowerShell using e.g.: 
# (New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell).SendKeys

  #  Snippet to inject text using xdotool
  - trigger: ":xd"
    replace: "{{output}}"
    vars:
      - name: output
        type: shell
        params:
          cmd: |
            nohup bash -c '
              xdotool type "Some text"
              xdotool key KP_Enter
              sleep 1.5
              xdotool type "Some more text"
            ' > /dev/null 2>&1 & 

  #  Snippet to inject text using Python
  #  https://pynput.readthedocs.io/en/latest/keyboard.html#controlling-the-keyboard
  - trigger: ":pd"
    replace: "{{output}}" # Redundant placeholder
    vars:
      - name: output
        type: script
        params:
          args:
            - python
            - -c
            - |
              import time
              from pynput.keyboard import Controller, Key
              keyboard = Controller()
              # Remove trigger characters (simulate pressing BackSpace three times)
              for _ in ":pd": keyboard.tap(Key.backspace)
              keyboard.type("Some text")
              keyboard.tap(Key.enter)
              time.sleep(1.5)
              keyboard.type("Some more text")
              # Supply dummy characters for Espanso to remove
              keyboard.type(":pd")
              
  # Alternative method for Python pynput which avoids the need to remove and
  # retype the trigger
  - trigger: :dothething
    replace: "{{output}}"
    vars:
      - name: output
        type: shell
        params:
          cmd: |
            nohup python3 - << 'EOF' > /dev/null 2>&1 &

            from pynput.keyboard import Controller, Key
            import time; kb = Controller()

            kb.type("command one\n")
            time.sleep(0.5)
            kb.type("command two\n")

            EOF