How to install Ulauncher in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS linux

Ulauncher is a fast and lightweight application launcher designed to improve productivity on Linux systems. Particularly for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS users, Ulauncher offers a simple yet powerful alternative to other launchers, allowing instant access to apps, files, and system commands with just a few keystrokes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the detailed steps of installing Ulauncher on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS in a reliable and secure manner.

Why Choose Ulauncher?

Speed, efficiency, and extendibility are Ulauncher’s strongest traits. With fuzzy search, custom shortcuts, and an extensive plugin ecosystem, Ulauncher can significantly streamline your daily workflow. It runs smoothly on GNOME desktops and integrates well with most Ubuntu environments.

Pre-Installation Requirements

Make sure you have an updated system and necessary package management tools in place. It’s recommended to start by updating your system to avoid any compatibility issues during installation.

Open your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This will ensure your packages and dependencies are up to date before installing Ulauncher.

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

1. Install Required Dependencies

Before adding the Ulauncher package, you need to ensure that all necessary dependencies are installed.

sudo apt install python3-pip libglib2.0-bin libgirepository1.0-dev

These are crucial for Ulauncher to run correctly on your Ubuntu 20.04 LTS system.

2. Add Ulauncher PPA (Personal Package Archive)

The easiest and most reliable way to install Ulauncher on Ubuntu is through its official PPA. To add the repository, type the following into your terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:agornostal/ulauncher

Then update the package list again:

sudo apt update

3. Install Ulauncher

Now that the PPA has been added, you can install Ulauncher using the apt package manager:

sudo apt install ulauncher

Once the process is complete, Ulauncher will be fully installed on your system.

4. Launch and Configure Ulauncher

To start Ulauncher, you can launch it from the application menu, or directly via terminal:

ulauncher

For better usability, consider setting Ulauncher to start automatically at system login. You can do this by adding it to your Startup Applications:

1. Open the “Startup Applications” utility.
2. Click Add.
3. Name: Ulauncher
4. Command: ulauncher
5. Click Add and close the window.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Ulauncher does not start or behave as expected, try the following solutions:

• Permissions: Ensure you have the correct permissions to execute the application.
• Missing Dependencies: Run sudo apt --fix-broken install to resolve broken packages.
• GNOME Integration: Make sure you have GNOME and necessary extensions for better visual compatibility.

Enhancing Ulauncher with Extensions

Ulauncher supports numerous extensions through Python-based plugins. Visit the official plugin directory to explore what’s available. To install a plugin:

1. Open preferences (Ctrl + Space, then click the gear icon).
2. Go to the Extensions tab.
3. Click “Add Extension” and paste the URL of the desired extension.

This allows you to tailor Ulauncher to your workflow needs, from launching websites to performing advanced system searches.

Conclusion

Installing Ulauncher on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is straightforward and significantly improves the Linux desktop experience. With a smooth and efficient UI, built-in shortcuts, and rich plugin offerings, it’s a tool every power user should consider. Follow the guidelines in this article carefully, and you’ll have Ulauncher up and running in no time, ready to help you speed up daily tasks and enhance your productivity.