Is there a GUI Text Editor included in Dom0?

[whoni...@mail2tor.com]

Hello,

I'm writing a public Qubes tutorial which, as one of the tut steps,
requires that users edit a text/conf file in Dom0.

Some of the target audience users may have too much trouble using CLI text
editors, such as vi & vim, to successfully make such simple text/conf file
edits.

Question: Is there a GUI text editor included in Qubes Dom0, such as
kwrite, etc?

I was unable to find one myself, but wanted to be sure.

It would be nice if simple GUI text editor capability was built in there.

Thanks!

[cprise]

I didn't find one, either. But 'kate' will install nicely into dom0.

[whoni...@mail2tor.com]

>
> I didn't find one, either. But 'kate' will install nicely into dom0.
>

Too bad... Seems like such an essential thing, compared to some of the
other apps included.

Looks like I'll have to include extra tutorial steps just to get a text
editor installed, to then be able to edit one line of text.


Looks like that command would be:

sudo qubes-dom0-update kwrite


Maybe the Qubes team would consider including a GUI text editor in Dom0
for future releases?


Tried out 'kate', but unfortunately it had an instructional popup upon
startup and I'm trying to minimize any and all barriers for everyday users
in the tutorial I'm putting together.

Thanks again cprise! :)

[Joanna Rutkowska]

So which "one line of text" is it, that you want ppl to edit?

j.

[whoni...@mail2tor.com]

>
> So which "one line of text" is it, that you want ppl to edit?
>
> j.
>
>

Hi Joanna,

In this case, it is for the purpose of making and editing a custom
configuration file.

Utilizing this feature: "--custom-config=CUSTOM_CONFIG"

Specifically editing the network settings in the custom conf.

Even though its a "power user" use case, most people just aren't used to
the "eccentricities" of included CLI text editors or commands.

So, for several users, any other Qubes tutorials or tasks which involve
text edits in dom0 might become an agitating challenge without a simple
text editor.

This is not a problem for me personally. But I just know I've been in that
aggravating position with such things earlier on in my technical
progression.

Also, internet connectivity might not be available at the time of needing
to download a GUI text editor for dom0. Or people might not know how to
install in dom0 and have to go searching for download instructions, etc.

Adds more deviations and barriers for users.

Just to edit text.

For whatever their objectives may be.


Thanks Joanna!

[Joanna Rutkowska]

I think that whoever will find a need to modify some config file in
Dom0, they will need to do that from command line anyway... So, while I
can understand not everybody want to use Vim, I still think we could use
something small like e.g. pico, rather than kwrite.

joanna.

[whoni...@mail2tor.com]

>
> I think that whoever will find a need to modify some config file in
> Dom0, they will need to do that from command line anyway... So, while I
> can understand not everybody want to use Vim, I still think we could use
> something small like e.g. pico, rather than kwrite.
>
> joanna.
>
>

Yeah, I have no special affinity with kwrite.

So most any other GUI text editor would be fine.

Basic desired attributes:
- GUI window based with cut/copy/paste using mouse
- No default startup popups or interferences
- Launchable from terminal or by double clicking various text/conf files
in file manager

Thanks!

[cprise]

FWIW, the 'nano' CLI editor now comes standard in even minimal Linux
installs and is meant as a more intuitive option to vi/m.