How do I run a script on Linux just by double clicking it

Question

I have a script written (which are basically the commands for the terminal for Ubuntu) on a file. Yes, the code starts with

#!/bin/bash

How do I run this script just by double clicking it? It can be run using the terminal but I want to make it more accessible through my desktop.

I was just trying to mimic a *.bat file on windows. A *.bat file on windows contains series of scripts operable on command prompt and executable just by double clicking on it.

Answer 1

Follow these steps:

• Hit Alt+F2, type dconf-editor and hit ``Enter.

• In dconfg-editor goto: org ➤ gnome ➤ nautilus ➤ preferences

• Click on executable-text-activation and from drop down menu select:

launch: to launch scripts as programs.

OR

ask: to ask what to do via a dialog.

Close dconf-editor Thats it!

Answer 2

Source https://askubuntu.com/a/286651/113065

Edit -> preferences -> Behavior -> Executable Text Files = Run ...

It should run, but you can't see output.

Answer 3

An alternative way, mostly for developers, is to create self-contained desktop launchers. The idea is to use a launcher that includes a tag under which there is the script; the launcher executes a command that:

1. put the script into a temporary file
2. run the script which deletes itself

Of course, the script should delete itself, for this reason, it's a good practice to start the script with rm $0. Note that if the script needs to read the script itself, you will need to use rm $0 somewhere else...

You can use the following example stolen from my project:

#!/usr/bin/env xdg-open
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Launch Assistance
Comment=A simple app to setup remote assistance
Exec=ttt=/tmp/$(date +"%s%N").sh; tail -n+$(awk '/^#__SCRIPT__#/ {print NR + 1; exit 0; }' %k) %k > $ttt ; sh $ttt;
Icon=computer
Terminal=true
Type=Application
Categories=Network;Internet;Utilities;Administration;Settings;

#__SCRIPT__#
rm "$0"
# Put here the script
# note that if the script needs to read $0, you will have to edit it

Answer 4

You need to make it an executable file, either use chmod +x <filename> or go into the file properties and set it there.

Answer 5

1. Open nautilus
2. Behavior tab
3. Executable Text files -> Ask each time
4. Profit

Source. Tested on Ubuntu 20.04.