Queen BeeCon Widget
Queen BeeCon Widget (See Talk Thread) is a highly customizable and flexible widget-based multi-instance monitoring, alerting and interactive tool for Maemo 5 Fremantle and the N900. In 8 words ... A Super Powerful and Customizable Widget Generation Engine
The Widget is based on the execution of external Shell/OS Commands which can be either as simple as one-liner statements or as complex as articulated shell scripts, which, for example, fetch, parse and aggregate contents retreived from the system, other applications or the Internet.
There are two basic Widget types, Beecons and Snippets:
Beecons are small hexagonal cells whose background color or associated image/icon changes according to the executed Command Exit Status.
Beecons can handle virtually unlimited Command Exit Status:
- <0 Normally notifying system errors in esecuting the script/command
- 0 Returned when script/command successfully completes
- 1 Used to report a warning condition
- 2 If script/command needs to notify some application error conditions
- <=126 Other exit status which can be handled for displaying user defined icons/images
Snippets are normal text/graphic boxes with fixed background color and images which is not influenced by the executed Command Exit Status.
Current Status in Maemo Repositories
v1.2(20/9/2010) extras-devel / v1.2(20/9/2010) extras-testing / v1.2(30/9/2010) EXTRAs
Features List
- Widget can be multi-instantiated, disabled and minimized on desktop (click on minimized icon on desktop will wakeup and maximize instance)
- Possibility to define multiple commands and command labels to be displayed inside the Widget
- Different types of Widget layouts and behaviours (currently Beecons and Snippets)
- Possibility to hide the background Canvas both for Beecons and Snippets
- Possibility to use icons/images instead of text both for Beecons/Snippets command title and output (with high positioning, zooming/scaling 5%-200%-FitToWidget versatility) ;)
- Possibility to use custom progress animations for each instance of the widget (with up to 30 frames, configurable frame period in msec and high positioning versatility) ;)
- It is possible to independently show or hide both snippet's images/texts and beecon images/texts. This way you can have two images and two text placeholders on widget, for more flexibility in graphic layout
- Independent images/icons for Command Exit Statuses can also been specified. Useful, for example, for displaying different icons according to percentages values returned by command.
- Widget can be clicked on 9 different Hot Spots with a 3x3 grid layout
- Nice "button-press"-like visual feedback using Gradient fill
- Widget relies also on private general purpose directories "~/.queen_beecon_dir/" & "..../MyDocs/.images/queen_beecon_dir/" as images/icons immediate storage. For easier population via USB of BLUETOOTH File Services.
- Widget texts can be formatted through Pango Markup Language
- Widget Size can be customized (Width: 10-800, Height: 10-420 with pixel precision) and position can be fine tuned (X,Y +/- 5pix); Tweaking /usr/share/hildon-desktop/transitions.ini may also help. (snap_grid_size = 1 & snap_to_grid_while_move = 1)
- Background color for Beecons can be customized for each 4 Command Exit Statuses (with graphical preview)
- Background color for Snippets can be customized (with graphical preview)
- Font Color of both command label and results can be configured (with graphical preview)
- Position and Visibility of both command label and results can be configured (Hidden, Top L, Top C, Top R, Center L, Center, Center R, Bottom L, Bottom C, Bottom R) Also rotation of labes can be changed (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees)
- Font Face, Style and Size of both command label and results can be configured with preview
- Text Justification of both command label and results can be configured (Left, Center, Right, Fill)
- Command execution can be triggered optionally on widget startup, by manual pressing on Widget, by desktop switching, by periodic updates (0=Manual, 30s, 1m, 5m, 30m, 1h, 6h, 12h, 1d, Custom Seconds Interval), by specific DBUS Events on System or Session Bus.which can be filtered through custom rules
- Command execution can be subject to network connection status and widget visibility on current desktop
- Tool includes a powerful Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box for command development and testing (TestDrive mode to display raw output of predefined or user-defined commands)
- A wide set of Parameter Substitution Variables can be passed to executed scripts; variables include: Instance ID, Pressed Hot Spot, Visibility of Widget, Execution Triggering Event, content of Output text, verbose DBUS messages, persistent information stored in widget specific parameter, Proxy related information
- Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box includes extended functionalities like: instance export/import w/ checksum, command export/import w/ checksum, command update with current Test Drive buffer, clipboard operations, export/import to/from files for instance data and commands.
- A set of basic Images/Icons for Snippets and Beecon Statuses is included inside the distribution package and installed inside canonical hildon hicolor 48x48 directory
- Inter Process Communication mechanism among QBW instances and with other Applications has been implemented through DBUS methods and signals handling
- It is integrated into the N900 system backup/restore features according to standard specifications as better described in SDK Using Backup Application
- Powerful Application Logging Subsystem
- For Web and Proxy related info and issues please have a look at HERE and THIS post.
Donate
Icons in Package
Settings and Tools
Standard Settings and Configuration File
Global and per-instance QBW parameters are stored in this file:
/home/user/.queen_beecon
Configuration Parameters, Types & Reference
These are the parameters and settings which can be changed for each QBW instance. They are stored independently, for each Instance, inside the configuration file.
Their reference is also useful for Interaction with QBW over DBUS and in particular for parameters amendments/fetching methods:
Widget Type, Visibility, Status and Associated Command
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0.1 | widgetType | int32 | 0=Beecon|1=Snippet | Specify the type of the instantiated widget |
| 2 | 0.1.7 | widgetVisible | int32 | 0=Hidden|1=Visible | Specify if widget components should be visible or not |
| 3 | 0.1.4 | operationalStatus | int32 | 0=Enabled|1=Disabled | If disabled, the widget will not be subject to update policies and will be iconified on desktop, a subsequent tap on it will revert its status to Enabled |
| 4 | 0.0.1 | instanceTitle | string | - | Holds the title of the command/script to be executed. If this field is blank, it means that command is still present in the widget instance but not present any more in the list of possible commands. Can still be adited via "Edit Cmd" button and added again to the list. |
Widget Size & Position Tuning
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0.1 | widWidth | double | - | This is the Width of the widget |
| 2 | 0.0.1 | widHeight | double | - | This is the Height of the widget |
Status Background Colors & Images
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.1.0 | hideCanvas | boolean | true|false | If set to true, the geometric canvas of the widget will not be shown |
| 2 | 1.0.4 | hideClickCanvas | boolean | true|false | If set to true, the geometric canvas of the widget will not be shown on click |
| 3 | 0.1.9.1 | snippetExtBgRGB | string | #<rrrr><gggg><bbbb> | Background color of Snippets |
0.1.0 | snippetBgRGB | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 |
Beecon Statuses: Images, Scale, Background Color
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.1.0 | beecon_lt0_ImgFilename | string | - | Applies to Beecons; it's the filename of the image to be displayed if script/command returns an Exit Status less than zero |
| 2 | 0.1.4 | beecon_lt0_ImgZoom | int32 | 0=1:11=Fit to widget dimensions2=5%3=10%4=15%... till 200% | This is the zoom/scale of the previous parameter's image (1:1, Fit, 5%-200%) |
| 3 | 0.1.9.1 | beecon_lt0_ExtBgRGB | string | #<rrrr><gggg><bbbb> | Applies to Beecons; it's the Background color to be displayed if script/command returns and Exit Status less than zero |
| 4 | 0.1.0 | beecon_eq0_ImgFilename | string | - | Applies to Beecons; it's the filename of the image to be displayed if script/command returns an Exit Status equals to zero |
| 5 | 0.1.4 | beecon_eq0_ImgZoom | int32 | 0=1:11=Fit to widget dimensions2=5%3=10%4=15%... till 200% | This is the zoom/scale of the previous parameter's image (1:1, Fit, 5%-200%) |
| 6 | 0.1.9.1 | beecon_eq0_ExtBgRGB | string | #<rrrr><gggg><bbbb> | Applies to Beecons; it's the Background color to be displayed if script/command returns and Exit Status equals to zero |
| 7 | 0.1.0 | beecon_eq1_ImgFilename | string | - | Applies to Beecons; it's the filename of the image to be displayed if script/command returns an Exit Status equals to 1 |
| 8 | 0.1.4 | beecon_eq1_ImgZoom | int32 | 0=1:11=Fit to widget dimensions2=5%3=10%4=15%... till 200% | This is the zoom/scale of the previous parameter's image (1:1, Fit, 5%-200%) |
| 9 | 0.1.9.1 | beecon_eq1_ExtBgRGB | string | #<rrrr><gggg><bbbb> | Applies to Beecons; it's the Background color to be displayed if script/command returns and Exit Status equals to 1 |
| 10 | 0.1.0 | beecon_ge2_ImgFilename | string | - | Applies to Beecons; it's the filename of the image to be displayed if script/command returns an Exit Status equals to 2 |
| 11 | 0.1.4 | beecon_ge2_ImgZoom | int32 | 0=1:11=Fit to widget dimensions2=5%3=10%4=15%... till 200% | This is the zoom/scale of the previous parameter's image (1:1, Fit, 5%-200%) |
| 12 | 0.1.9.1 | beecon_ge2_ExtBgRGB | string | #<rrrr><gggg><bbbb> | Applies to Beecons; it's the Background color to be displayed if script/command returns and Exit Status equals to 2 |
| 13 | 0.1.0 | beecon_idxge2_ImgFilename | string | - | Applies to Beecons; it's the basename of the image to be displayed if script/command returns an Exit Status greater than or equal to 3; Final image filename will be built as <basename>.png.<exit code> (Ex.dice.png.3, dice.png.4 ...)
|
| 14 | 0.1.4 | beecon_idxge2_ImgZoom | int32 | 0=1:11=Fit to widget dimensions2=5%3=10%4=15%... till 200% | This is the zoom/scale of the previous parameter's image (1:1, Fit, 5%-200%) |
| 15 | 0.1.9.1 | beecon_idxge2_ExtBgRGB | string | #<rrrr><gggg><bbbb> | Applies to Beecons; it's the Background color to be displayed if script/command returns and Exit Status is greater than or equal to 3 |
0.1.0 | beecon_lt0_BgRGB | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 | |
0.1.0 | beecon_eq0_BgRGB | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 | |
0.1.0 | beecon_eq1_BgRGB | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 | |
0.1.0 | beecon_ge2_BgRGB | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 | |
0.1.0 | beecon_idxge2_BgRGB | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 |
Command Title Settings
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.1.0 | cmdImgFilename | string | - | Applies both to Beecons and to Snippets; it's the filename of the image to be displayed as complementary to the Command Title label. Can be used to provide a customized image-based background to the widget. |
| 2 | 1.0.3 | cmdImgAngle | uint32 | 0=0 Degrees1=90 Degrees2=180 Degrees3=270 Degrees | It's the rotation of the Image associated to the Command Title (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees) |
| 3 | 0.1.4 | cmdImgZoom | int32 | 0=1:11=Fit to widget dimensions2=5%3=10%4=15%... till 200% | This is the zoom/scale of the previous parameter's image (1:1, Fit, 5%-200%) |
| 4 | 0.1.3 | cmdImgVisibilityPosition | int32 | 0=Hidden | Sets the Visibility and Position of the image associated to Command Title (Both for Snippets and for Beecons) |
| 5 | 0.1.9 | cmdExtFont | string | [<family>] [italic] [bold] [<size>] | Font string specification for Command label (Ex. Nokia Sans Italic Bold 12) |
| 6 | 0.1.9.1 | cmdExtFgRGB | string | #<rrrr><gggg><bbbb> | It's the Foreground color to be used with Command Title label |
| 7 | 0.1.3 | cmdVisibilityPosition | int32 | 0=Hidden | Sets the Visibility and Position of the Command Title label |
| 8 | 0.1.9.1 | cmdTextAngle | uint32 | 0=0 Degrees1=90 Degrees2=180 Degrees3=270 Degrees | It's the rotation of the Command Title Label (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees) |
| 9 | 0.1.0 | cmdJustify | int32 | 0=Left1=Right2=Center3=Fill | It's the justification to be used with Command Title label |
0.1.0 | cmdFgRGB | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 | |
0.1.0 | cmdFontName | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9 | |
0.1.0 | cmdFontSize | double | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9 |
Command Results Settings
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.1.0 | resImgFilename | string | - | Applies both to Snippets; it's the filename of the image to be displayed as complementary to the Command Results label. |
| 2 | 1.0.3 | resImgAngle | uint32 | 0=0 Degrees1=90 Degrees2=180 Degrees3=270 Degrees | It's the rotation of the Image associated to the Command Results (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees) |
| 3 | 0.1.4 | resImgZoom | int32 | 0=1:11=Fit to widget dimensions2=5%3=10%4=15%... till 200% | This is the zoom/scale of the previous parameter's image (1:1, Fit, 5%-200%) |
| 4 | 0.1.3 | resImgVisibilityPosition | int32 | 0=Hidden | Sets the Visibility and Position of the image associated to Command Results (For Snippets) |
| 5 | 0.1.9 | resExtFont | string | [<family>] [italic] [bold] [<size>] | Font string specification for Results label (Ex. Nokia Sans Italic Bold 12) |
| 6 | 0.1.9.1 | resExtFgRGB | string | #<rrrr><gggg><bbbb> | It's the Foreground color to be used with Command Results label |
| 7 | 0.1.3 | resVisibilityPosition | int32 | 0=Hidden | Sets the Visibility and Position of the Command Results label |
| 8 | 0.1.9.1 | resTextAngle | uint32 | 0=0 Degrees1=90 Degrees2=180 Degrees3=270 Degrees | It's the rotation of the Command Results Label (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees) |
| 9 | 0.1.0 | resJustify | int32 | 0=Left1=Right2=Center3=Fill | It's the justification to be used with Command Results label |
0.1.0 | resFgRGB | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 | |
0.1.0 | resFontName | int32 | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 | |
0.1.0 | resFontSize | double | - | Obsoleted as of release >=0.1.9.1 |
Progress Animation
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.1.9.8 | progressAnimationFrames | uint32 | [0-30] | Holds the number of frames to display for the animation; 0 if animations should be hidden MAX 30 |
| 2 | 0.1.9.8 | progressAnimationTimer | uint32 | [0-20] | Holds the number of milliseconds/50 to wait before drawing next frame (<=4secs) |
| 3 | 0.1.9.8 | progressAnimationPos | uint32 | 0=Top Left1=Top Center2=Top Right3=Center Left4=Center5=Center Right6=Bottom Left7=Bottom Center8=Bottom Right | Holds the default position index of the animation in the widget |
| 4 | 1.0.4 | progressAnimationAtClickXY | boolean | true|false | If checked, progress animation is displayed at X,Y position where widget is clicked. |
| 5 | 0.1.9.8 | progressAnimationBasename | string | - | Holds the basename of the files to load as frames from the relevant directory. Final frame filename will be built as <basename><frame number>.png
|
Update Policy
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.1.0 | updOnStartup | boolean | true|false | Update policy which defines if widget must be updated on system Startup or on widget Wakeup |
| 2a | 0.0.1 | updOnClick | boolean | true|false | Update policy which defines if widget must be updated when it is clicked |
| 2b | 1.2.10 | multiClick | boolean | true|false | Enable/Disable support for multi click on widget (quicker click response if disabled) |
| 3 | 0.0.1 | updOnDesktop | boolean | true|false | Update policy which defines if widget must be updated when desktop, on which the widget resides, gets displayed either by being dragged or after resume from standby. |
| 4 | 0.0.1 | delayIndex | uint32 | 0=Timer Disabled1=30 Secs2=1 Min3=5 Mins4=30 Mins5=1 Hour6=6 Hours7=12 Hours8=1 Day9=Custom (") | Sets and index of values to use as intervals/periods for command/scripts executions |
| 5 | 0.1.9.2 | customIntervalSecs | uint32 | <seconds> | Sets the number of seconds to use for Custom Update Intervals |
| 6 | 0.0.1 | updNeworkPolicy | uint32 | 0=Irrelevant1=When Connected2=When Disconnected3=PassThrough (>= v1.0.6) | Update policy which defines if widget update must be Network dependent and what network condition must trigger the update |
| 7 | 0.1.9.9 | updOnSight | uint32 | true|false | If set to true widget content is only updated if on current desktop and visible (if screen locked no update will take place)
|
DBUS Event Monitoring
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.1.9.4 | updOnDBUS | uint32 | 0=Disabled|1=Enabled | Enables DBUS Event Monitor and Update policy which defines if widget must be updated by any DBUS Event |
| 2 | 0.1.9.4 | updOnDBUSBus | uint32 | 0=SYSTEM|1=SESSION | Sets which DBUS bus to monitor (System/Session) |
| 3 | 0.1.9.4 | updOnDBUSMatchRule | string | See Specifications | Specifies the rule to be matched in order for command/script to be executed (Ex.type='signal',path='/com/nokia/mce/signal',interface='com.nokia.mce.signal',member='tklock_mode_ind') |
Remember Me Value
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.1.9.6 | rememberMe | string | - | Holds status or persistency information across subsequent command executions. - Can be fetched/changed via DBUS method call set/get_param_string string:"rememberMe" string:<remember_this_string>- Can be transferred to command/scrips execution via $QBW_REMEMBER_ME Parameter Substitution- As of release >=1.0.5 Can be also be affected by executed command output. Just echo the following string (which will not be displayed) as output of your command QBW_REMEMBER_ME(<content to be remembered>) no angle brackets; escape "close round bracket" like this "\)" to store it as ")"See examples HERE |
Not Present in Settings Dialog Box
| Ref # | Release | Parameter | Type | Possible Values | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.0.1 | instanceCmd | string | - | Holds the command/script to be executed |
Advanced Settings and Tools
Dialog can be reached via QBW Settings:
- Section A: (Command TestDrive)
- V) This selector allows to dynamically change the QBW Logging Subsystem Verbosity
- 1) This is the list of Stored Commands that you can Test Drive; upon entering the dialog box, [1] & [6] are initialized with current Instance command.
- 2) Use this button to Test Drive the command currently typed in [6]
- 3) This button will update current instance command with the content of [6] (use it when command is working and thoroughly tested)
- 4) Will copy to clipboard the command currently in [6]
- 5) Will paste the clipboard into [6]
- 6) Read-Write text field; this is the "command input buffer", it is used as extended Test Drive tool for troubleshooting commands with issues
- 7) Read-Only text field; will display the Exit Status & Raw Output of the command in [6] executed by pressing button [2]
- Section B: (Commands/Beecons Import/Export processing)
- 8) Button will export the command currently in [6]. Result of the export will be stored into [14] text buffer
- 9) Button will import the command currently in [14].
- 10) Will paste the clipboard into [14]
- 11) Will copy to clipboard the [14] text buffer
- 12) Will read from a file into [14]
- 13) Will write to a file the [14] text buffer
- 14) Button will import the Beecon/Snippet Instance Data currently in [14]; useful for restoring Beecons of for importing Beecons created by others.
- 15) Button will export the Beecon/Snippet Instance Data for the current instance. Result of the export will be stored into [14] text buffer; useful for backup of Beecons of for exporting Beecons to others.
- 16) Read-Write text field; used for temporarily processing export/import of commands and Beecon/Snippet Instance Data
Parameter Substitution at Command/Script Runtime
QBW can provide a set of specific parameters to the executing script/command. The script will have to identify the placeholders for this extra parameters as better specified in the following table:
| Release | Placeholder | Substituted | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_ID | <QBW Instance ID> | Retreives the QBW Instance ID and substitutes it into the run script |
0.1.9.6 | $QBW_HOTSPOT_PRESS | <Hot Spot Press/Click Position Index> |  POSITION INDEX where the widget was pressed/clicked and substitutes it into the run script0 = Not Pressed (Other update policy)
|
1.0.3 | $QBW_CLICKS_COUNT | <Number> | Holds the number of times a QBW was pressed/clicked and substitutes it into the run script; useful for handling single/double/triple... clicks and behave accordingly (Tested up to 12 ... :) ) |
1.0.4 | $QBW_IS_FINGER_TAP | true|false | true=Touch Screen was tapped with a fingerfalse=Touch Screen was clicked with stylus |
1.0.3 | $QBW_CLICK_X$QBW_CLICK_Y | <X Coordinate><Y Coordinate> | Hold exact X and Y coordinates respectively where a QBW was pressed/clicked (Useful for handling different arbitrary/dynamic hotspots on widgets via launched shell scripts; virtually unlimited as handling is left to launched script/program) Ex. x=$QBW_CLICK_X;will echo "HOT SPOT HIT" if widget is clicked in rectangle delimited by p1(x=100,y=100) and p2(x=200,y=200) or "HOT SPOT NOT HIT" otherwise |
1.0.53 | $QBW_WIDTH | <Number> | Holds the current Width of QBW widget; useful for dynamic recalculation of click hotspots |
1.0.53 | $QBW_HEIGHT | <Number> | Holds the current Height of QBW widget; useful for dynamic recalculation of click hotspots |
0.1.9.9 | $QBW_ON_SIGHT | true|false | true=QBW Instance is "ON SIGHT", that is widget is on current desktop and display is not locked or on stand by.false=QBW Instance is not on current desktop and visible or display is off or on stand by
|
1.0.2 | $QBW_IS_CONNECTED | true|false | true=QBW Instance is connected to the network (either WLAN or GPRS)false=QBW Instance is not connected to the network (either WLAN or GPRS)
|
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_TIMER_UPDATE | Script is run due to a Timer event |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_STARTUP_UPDATE | QBW instance is starting up and script run |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_SETTINGS_SAVE_RUN | Save and Run is pressed in Settings Dialog Box and script run |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_TEST_DRIVE | Script is run via Test Drive advanced dialog box |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_WAKEUP_CLICK | A disabled instance is waken up by a click on icon and script is run |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_CLICK | An instance is clicked and script is run |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_DESKTOP_SWITCH | The desktop, on which and instance is displayed, is switched/scrolled and script is run |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_CONNECTION_EVENT | A connection event takes place and script is run |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_DBUS_SET_PARAM_UPDATE | A set_param DBUS method is called and "update content" (script run) is explicitly required |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_DBUS_WAKEUP | A wakeup DBUS method is called and script is run |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_DBUS_UPDATE_CONTENT | "update content" DBUS method is called and script run is explicitly required |
0.1.9.1 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_DBUS_EXEC | "exec" DBUS method is called and external script run is explicitly required |
0.1.9.4 | $QBW_EXEC_REASON | QBW_DBUS_MONITOR | Execution of script was triggered by DBUS Match Rules in DBUS Event Monitoring |
0.1.9.4 | $QBW_DBUS_VERBOSE_OUTPUT | signal|method call|method return|error|unknown sender=<sender> -> dest=<destination> path=<path> interface=<interface> member=<member>\n<type1> <param1>\n<type2> <param2>\n<typeX> <paramX> | Extended values returned by DBUS Monitor for Matched Rule. Example:signal sender=:1.31 -> dest=(null destination) path=/com/example/app/Signal; interface=com.example.app.Signal; member=Test
|
1.0.6 | $QBW_PREVIOUS_EXIT_STATUS | <last executed command's Exit Code> | Exit status of the last previous executed command |
0.1.9.5 | $QBW_CURRENT_RESULTS_TEXT | <current content of results text> | Current content of results text even if label is hidden. Useful for holding and processing previous state conditions across command executions |
0.1.9.6 | $QBW_HTTP_PROXY | <host>:<port> | Returns the current HTTP Proxy as set into parameters for current active Internet Connection |
0.1.9.6 | $QBW_HTTPS_PROXY | <host>:<port> | Returns the current HTTPS Proxy as set into parameters for current active Internet Connection |
0.1.9.6 | $QBW_FTP_PROXY | <host>:<port> | Returns the current FTP Proxy as set into parameters for current active Internet Connection |
0.1.9.6 | $QBW_SOCKS_PROXY | <host>:<port> | Returns the current SOCKS Proxy as set into parameters for current active Internet Connection |
0.1.9.6 | $QBW_RTSP_PROXY | <host>:<port> | Returns the current RTSP Proxy as set into parameters for current active Internet Connection |
0.1.9.6 | $QBW_IGNORE_HOSTS_PROXY | <host1>;<host2>;<host...> | Returns the current list of host which do not require a proxy as set into parameters for current active Internet Connection |
0.1.9.6 | $QBW_AUTO_CONFIG_PROXY_URL | <URL> | Returns the current Proxy configuration URL as set into parameters for current active Internet Connection |
0.1.9.6 | $QBW_REMEMBER_ME | <string> | Holds status or persistency information stored in configuration via Settings Dialog, DBUS method call or Command Output - Can be fetched/changed via DBUS method call set/get_param_string string:"rememberMe" string:<remember_this_string>- Can be transferred to command/scrips execution via $QBW_REMEMBER_ME Parameter Substitution- As of release >=1.0.5 Can be also affected by executed command output. Just echo the following string (which will not be displayed) as output of your command QBW_REMEMBER_ME(<content to be remembered>) no angle brackets; escape "close round bracket" like this "\)" to store it as ")"See examples HERE |
QBW Instance Timer Logic
The Timer logic for each instance for actions to be run periodically is programmed as follows:
- The timer of each instance is reset&re-armed every time the widget is Startup (System Boot or QBW release upgrade)
- The timer of each instance is reset&re-armed every time it is changed in the Settings dialog box and it is different from its previous value
- If a widget is disabled, either by changing is "Status" in the Settings dialog box or via DBUS method
sleep, its timer is disabled - If a widget is re-enabled, either by changing is "Status" in the Settings dialog box or via DBUS method
wakeup, its timer is reset&re-armed - If Settings Parameter
delayIndexhas been changed via DBUS set_param_uint32 method, the relevant timer must be explicitly reset&rearmed via DBUS methosreset_rearm_timer - The timer is reset&re-armed every time a new QBW instance is imported via Advanced dialog box and relevant parameter is set
System Backup/Restore Integration
As of release >=0.1.8 QBW is integrated into the N900 system backup/restore features according to standard specifications as better described in the SDK Using Backup Application
/etc/osso-backup/applications/queen-beecon.conf file is:
<backup-configuration>
<locations>
<location type="file"
category="settings">$HOME/.queen-beecon</location>
<location type="dir"
category="documents">$HOME/MyDocs/.images/queen_beecon_dir</location>
<location type="dir"
category="documents">$HOME/.queen_beecon_dir</location>
</locations>
</backup-configuration>
Application Logging Subsystem
As of release >=1.0.2, QBW employs a powerful Application Logging subsystem.
Log file is:
~/.queen_beecon_dir/queen-beecon.log
Logging is disabled by default.
Enabling Logging
Logging can be enabled in different ways:
- Dynamically via QBW DBUS method call
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --print-reply --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbw<idX> oh.no.more.qbw.logger_action string:<vX>
-
<idX>is the QBW Instance ID of and existing QBW instance (no matter which one as logging is global) -
<vX>is the required verbosity (Allowed values are: v0 v1 v2 v3 v4 from minimum verbosity to maximum) - Example:
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --print-reply --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbwid0 oh.no.more.qbw.logger_action string:v4
- WARNING! Due to performance reasons, v0 v1 v2 v3 logging verbosity is asynchronous, meaning that the log file will not be instantly updated as soon as a new information is logged.
- If you specifically need an up to date log file condition, you need to specifically issue a:
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --print-reply --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbw<idX> oh.no.more.qbw.logger_action string:flush
- v4 logging verbosity is synchronous by design and logs a lot of information thus causing system slow down side effects at time and ~/.queen_beecon_dir/ directory/file system filling quite quickly. Keep file system space monitored if you need this level of verbosity!
- Statically via condition file presence
- If you need to setup permanent verbosity to a specified level, also to monitor QBW startup, just go to directory:
~/.queen_beecon_dir/
- and issue command:
touch queen_beecon.log.<vX>
- where
<vX>is the required verbosity (Allowed values are: v0 v1 v2 v3 v4 from minimum verbosity to maximum) - Example:
touch queen_beecon.log.v4
- Static Logging is activated every time the Phone/Widget is restarted
Changing Logging Verbosity
Logging verbosity can be dynamically changed by calling the following DBUS method call
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --print-reply --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbw<idX> oh.no.more.qbw.logger_action string:<vX>
-
<idX>is the QBW Instance ID of and existing QBW instance (no matter which one as logging is global) -
<vX>is the required verbosity (Allowed values are:v0 v1 v2 v3 v4from minimum verbosity to maximum)
Disabling Logging
Logging can be dynamically disabled by calling the following DBUS method call
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --print-reply --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbw<idX> oh.no.more.qbw.logger_action string:disable
-
<idX>is the QBW Instance ID of and existing QBW instance (no matter which one as logging is global)
Resetting Log File
Log file can be dynamically reset to empty status by calling the following DBUS method call
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --print-reply --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbw<idX> oh.no.more.qbw.logger_action string:reset
-
<idX>is the QBW Instance ID of and existing QBW instance (no matter which one as logging is global)
Interaction with QBW over DBUS
Overview
As of release >= 0.1.7 a new Inter Process Communication mechanism among QBW instances and with other Applications has been implemented.
Through the standard DBUS interface, both at the OS-shell and at different programming environments level, QBW instances can be controlled/accessed and mutual interaction can be guaranteed, thus allowing a set of extended functionalities like:
- Give impulse to other Beecons for content update
- Give impulse to other Beecons for layout update
- Give other Beecons one-shot alternative scripts to execute
- Remotely change QBW settings
- Retrieve other beecon's last executed commands exit status
- Provide to non graphical programs and daemons a suitable interface for displaying information on precustomized beecons on screen (for example Dbus Scripts for displaying events on the system/session DBUS like cell IDs changes, available WLANs and the like)
I encourage you to suggest possible enhancements or wishlists in this area and report them in the main TALK thread
QBW Instance ID
Queen Beecon Widget's Instance Id, needed for every reference in DBUS method calls, can be found at the very top of the Settings dialog box:
DBUS Specifications
QBW_DBUS_SERVICE ="oh.no.more.qbw" [Name of D-Bus service] QBW_DBUS_PATH ="/oh/no/more/qbw<idX>" [Name of Object Path] QBW_DBUS_IFACE ="oh.no.more.qbw" [Name of D-Bus interface]
- <idX> is the QBW Instance ID
DBUS Methods & Parameters
QBW implements the following list of methods to trigger specific actions:
WARNING!!! Methods' Parameters are case-sensitive
| Method | Input Params | Returns | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
logger_action | string:'disable | v0 | v1 | v2 | v3 | v4 | reset | flush' | Performs the following actions on the qbw logger subsystem:disable Disables loggingv0-4 Sets Logger Verbosity to specified depth levelreset Resets the logfile queen_beecon.log in directory /home/user/.queen_beecon_dir to emptyflush Flushes content of logfile queen_beecon.log
| |
dbus_method_monitor | string:'on | off' | Toggle on-screen yellow notification message of incoming DBUS method requests for destination Instance (for debug purposes). Default=OFF | |
reset_rearm_timer | Reset and rearm timer for periodically auto-updating QBW, needed to be explicitly called if parameter delayIndex has been changed via DBUS set_param_uint32 method
| ||
show | Give show impulse to a QBW | ||
hide | Give hide impulse to a QBW | ||
wakeup | Give wake up impulse to a QBW and update content and layout | ||
sleep | Give sleep/disable/minimize impulse to a QBW | ||
update_content | Give impulse to a QBW for content update | ||
update_layout | Give impulse to a QBW for layout update | ||
exec | string:'<command|script>' | Give other QBWs one-shot alternative scripts/commands to execute and update content accordingly | |
set_param_string | string:'<param name>'string:'<new value>'string:'' | 'update_content' | 'update_layout' | Change and store QBW settings parameter of type string | |
set_param_int32 | string:'<param name>'int32:'<new value>'string:'' | 'update_content' | 'update_layout' | Change and store QBW settings parameter of type int | |
set_param_uint32 | string:'<param name>'uint32:'<new value>'string:'' | 'update_content' | 'update_layout' | Change and store QBW settings parameter of type uint | |
set_param_double | string:'<param name>'double:'<new value>'string:'' | 'update_content' | 'update_layout' | Change and store QBW settings parameter of type double | |
set_param_boolean | string:'<param name>'boolean:'<new value>'string:'' | 'update_content' | 'update_layout' | Change and store QBW settings parameter of type boolean | |
get_param | string:'<param name>' | string:'value' | Get QBW settings parameter |
is_on_sight | string:'value' | Get current widget On Sight statustrue=QBW Instance is "ON SIGHT", that is widget is on current desktop and display is not locked or on stand by.false=QBW Instance is not on current desktop and visible or display is off or on stand by
| |
get_current_results_text | string:'value' | Get current content of results text | |
set_position | int32:'<X-coord>'int32:'<Y-coord>' | Set QBW position on desktop | |
get_position | int32:'<X-coord>'int32:'<Y-coord>' | Get QBW position on desktop | |
get_exit_status | int32:'<ExitStatus>' | Retrieve other QBW's last executed commands exit status |
DBUS Signals & Parameters
QBW issues the following list of signals to notify the "world" about predefined conditions and events. They will be emitted on the bus according to the following specifications:
PATH ="/oh/no/more/qbw<idX>" INTERFACE ="oh.no.more.qbw" MEMBER ="<signal name>" [Signal column in below list] PARAMETERS ="<parameter>" [Broadcast column in below list]
- <idX> is the QBW Instance ID
| Signal | Broadcasts | Description |
|---|---|---|
signal_content_update | int32:'<ExitStatus>' | Issued when QBW Instance <idX> executes and returns an exit status |
Interacting with QBW from the Shell
This is the template to use for calling the QBW instance methods:
- For methods which DO return values
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --print-reply --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbw<idX> oh.no.more.qbw.<method> <type1>:"<param1>" <type2>:"<param2>" ... <typeN>:"<paramN>"
WARNING!!! Hildon-home is quite sensitive to long running commands inside Queen Beecon Widget. If you believe that the dbus-send command is going to take much time (say >2/3 secs) it is better if you add the As of >=0.1.9.3 release, asynchronous execution of commands/scripts obsoletes previous statement.
--reply-timeout=<milliseconds> to the dbus-send list of parameters.
- For methods which DO NOT return values
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbw<idX> oh.no.more.qbw.<method> <type1>:"<param1>" <type2>:"<param2>" ... <typeN>:"<paramN>"
Where:
- <idX> is the QBW Instance ID
- <method> is the Method to be called for the specific QBW Instance
- <typeX> & <paramX> are the parameter type and value as per the specific Method Synopsis
For example:
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbwid0 oh.no.more.qbw.set_param_string string:"cmdImgFilename" string:"new_image_filename.png" string:"update_layout"
or
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbwid0 oh.no.more.qbw.dbus_method_monitor string:'on'
or
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --session --print-reply --type=method_call --dest=oh.no.more.qbw /oh/no/more/qbwid0 oh.no.more.qbw.get_position
QBW DBUS Events Monitor and Interceptor
Overview
As of release >= 0.1.9.4 QBW is now able to monitor and intercept DBUS events (like signals, methods, errors) issued by the system or other applications. For example:
- Keyboard lock/unlock
- Slide open/close
- Bluetooth connections
- GSM cells change
- WIFI networks
- Battery & Charging status
- Changes in device orientation
- Incoming Calls
- Incoming SMS/IM
These events will then trigger the execution of a script which can be programmed to analyze and parse the intercepted event and perform actions accordingly.
The configuration is performed via the DBUS Event Monitoring section in Settings Dialog Box:
1) States if DBUS Monitoring is enabled or disabled for this QBW
2) Specify whether to monitor SYSTEM or SESSION BUS
3) Is the Match Rule as per this DBUS specifications
I encourage you to suggest possible enhancements or wishlists in this area and report them in the main TALK thread
Example
We will monitor the SYSTEM BUS with the following Match Rule:
type='signal',interface='com.example.app.Signal'
The cmd/script which will be executed when the event is intercepted is the following:
echo "$QBW_ID $QBW_EXEC_REASON"; echo '$QBW_DBUS_VERBOSE_OUTPUT'; exit 2
This is a simulation of the following sample DBUS command:
run-standalone.sh dbus-send --system --type=signal /com/example/app/Signal com.example.app.Signal.Test string:'Oh' string:'No!!!' string:'More QBWs!!!' boolean:true uint32:10000
And here's the output:
Known Issues
TBD
Bug Tracker/Reports
Feature Requests
Now-Brewing
Nothing
Change Log
queen-beecon (1.2)'
* New: Release Candidate to Extras (1.0.53 -> 1.2) * Changed: Release Candidate to Extras (1.0.53 -> 1.2) * Bugfixing: Release Candidate to Extras (1.0.53 -> 1.2)
queen-beecon (1.0.53)
* New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which holds the current width of QBW widget ($QBW_WIDTH); useful for dynamic recalculation of click hotspots * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which holds the current height of QBW widget ($QBW_HEIGHT); useful for dynamic recalculation of click hotspots * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which holds the exit status of the last previous executed command ($QBW_PREVIOUS_EXIT_STATUS) * New: Added new Network Connection Event condition (NETWORK__PASSTHROUGH) which will trigger the execution of command at every Network Related event. Management of the connection event status will be completely delegated to the command through $QBW_IS_CONNECTED and $QBW_EXEC_REASON=="QBW_CONNECTION_EVENT" Parameter Variables substitution. * Changed: Optimized "cancel on exec in progress" logic * Bugfixing: Some network connection status change issues; fixed
queen-beecon (1.0.52)
* New: In Command and Instance import in Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog Box, command title is now checked for existence, if existent "+"s are appendend till name is unique * New: In Add/Edit Command Dialog box, command title is now checked for existence, if existent, user is now asked for unique name * Changed: - * Bugfixing: Both in Settings and in Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog Box, Command Selection button was not correctly re-populated after operations on commands list (add/delete/import); fixed
queen-beecon (1.0.51)
* New: Added Reset/Truncate Logfile action to Logger Verbosity Button in Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog Box * Changed: - * Bugfixing: -
queen-beecon (1.0.5)
* New: Possibility to directly modify the "rememberMe" parameter from the output of the executed command (without using the DBUS interface which is much slower) for using with scripts which need to hold/manipulate status or persistency information. Just echo the following string (which will not be displayed) as output of your command "QBW_REMEMBER_ME(<content to be remembered>)" no angle brackets; escape "close round bracket" like this "\)" to store it as ")"
* Changed: Extended warning message in case of inconsistent Pango Markup Language output ("QBW Warning! Possible Pango Markup Language inconsistent/unterminated Tag!")
* Changed: Extended warning message in case of inconsistent/non-UTF-8 output in TestDrive output Buffer ("QBW Warning! Expected/Shown Command Output mismatch. Possible charset different from UTF-8!")
* Bugfixing: QBW re-enable on double-click logic bugged; fixed
queen-beecon (1.0.4)
* New: Implemented the possibility to have the Progress Animation displayed at widget click X,Y coordinates; with relevant configuration parameter "progressAnimationAtClickXY" * New: Implemented the possibility to hide the background Canvas on click both for Beecons and Snippets with relevant configuration parameter "hideClickCanvas" * Changed: Some optimizations in QBW at startup, expecially for instances with execute @startup flag; should speed up widget appearance * Changed: Checks for obsolete instances in configuration file moved to Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog; check is performed upon entering. * Changed: Some optimizations in progress icon animation logic * Changed: Some optimization in multiple-clicks management * Bugfixing: Command output for Test Drive in Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog still buggy and not displaying complete output; fixed * Bugfixing: Logic for multiple clicks count was a bit bugged; fixed * Bugfixing: DBUS Signal emission at end of command execution was misplaced ; fixed * Bugfixing: Logging info incorrect for timeout seconds count function GetSeconds; fixed
queen-beecon (1.0.3)
* New: Added button to change Logger Verbosity in Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog Box * New: Implementation of Command and Results image orientation angle (w/ relevant configuration parameters) * New: Added edit box in Settings Dialog for "rememberMe" value. Can now be initialized also from widget and not only via DBUS method * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which holds the number of times a QBW was pressed/clicked: $QBW_CLICKS_COUNT; useful for handling single/double/triple... clicks and behave accordingly (Tested up to 12 ... :) ) * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which hold X and Y coordinates where a QBW was pressed/clicked: $QBW_CLICK_X, $QBW_CLICK_Y; useful for handling different arbitrary/dynamic hotspots on widgets via launched shell scripts * Changed: Now QBW instances with status disabled/minimized (black small 60x60 inactive sleeping bee icon) are enable again on double-click and non on single-click * Bugfixing: TestDrive in Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog Box was not fetching the whole command output; fixed * Bugfixing: Typos in "Edit Cmd" Dialog Box title; fixed * Bugfixing: Not proper memory deallocation of some strings parameter in Settings Dialog; fixed
queen-beecon (1.0.2)
* Source Modules: Changed architecture of source module ... now split into single modules according to QBW subfunctions ... expect some sneaky regressions!!!
* New: Application Logging Subsystem to log file, with different levels of verbosity (v0 v1 v2 v3 v4 from minimum verbosity to maximum) and possibility to enable/disable/reset logging and log file
* New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which holds Network Connection status: $QBW_IS_CONNECTED (true=QBW Instance is connected to the network (either WLAN or GPRS) false=QBW Instance is NOT connected to the network (either WLAN or GPRS))
* Changed: In Settings Dialog Box changed "Custom(")" to "Custom(Secs)" for custom timer label
* Changed: In Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog Box it's now possible to scroll dialog both vertically and horizontally. So all buttons will be accessible even if you have big fonts
* Changed: In Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog Box added more checks for Import Instance/Command Data (It should now be more restrictive on Import Data consistency/congruency)
* Bugfixing: System Proxy fetching logic bugged; fixed
* Bugfixing: reset_rearm_timer DBUS method call was not disabling timer when timer update was disabled; fixed
* Bugfixing: set_param_uint32 DBUS method call had problems if values = 0; fixed
queen-beecon (1.0.0.1)
* New: Nothing - Release Candidate to Extras (0.1.9.9 -> 1.0.0.1) * Changed: Nothing - Release Candidate to Extras (0.1.9.9 -> 1.0.0.1) * Bugfixing: Nothing - Release Candidate to Extras (0.1.9.9 -> 1.0.0.1)
queen-beecon (0.1.9.9)
* New: Added "On Sight" Update Policy (If flagged, content is not updated if widget is out of sight (on other desktop) or if display is locked or in stand-by) * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which holds "On Sight" or "Out Of Sight" status: $QBW_ON_SIGHT (true=QBW Instance is "ON SIGHT", that is widget is on current desktop and display is not locked or on stand by. false=QBW Instance is not on current desktop and visible or display is off or on stand by) * New: DBUS method "is_on_sight" which returns true (QBW Instance is "ON SIGHT", that is, widget is on current desktop and display is not locked or on stand by) or false (QBW Instance is not on current desktop and visible or display is off or on stand by) * Changed: Optimized usability of settings for Widget Width and Height * Changed: Optimized progress animation logic for visibility when instance not On Sight * Bugfixing: -
queen-beecon (0.1.9.8)
* New: Implemented per-instance progress animation with customizable number of frames, timer, position and possibility to have it shown or hidden (Now every instance can have its own progress animation) + Settings for Hide/Show, frames #, timer, position and basename. * Changed: Extended error message text to all DBUS methods * Changed: Now when command or script do not return any output no more "No Output" text gets printed inside the widget * Bugfixing: Added error message if non existing parameter is supplied to all DBUS methods "set_param_*" * Bugfixing: Under certain conditions HotSpot Index was not properly reset in case update policies prevented execution of script from happening. Fixed.
queen-beecon (0.1.9.7)
* New: - * Changed: Line width for widget contours FX when widget pressed set to 1px * Bugfixing: Reentrancy issues for DBUS Monitor. Fixed * Bugfixing: "If you enter a long name for the title, the right part of the prefs gui isn't visible anymore and you can't scroll to the now hidden gadgets!". Fixed. Area is now scrollable also horizontally. * Bugfixing: Issues with positioning of small widgets with respect to bottom and right margins. Fixed.
queen-beecon (0.1.9.6)
* New: REVOLUTION!!! :) Implementation of multiple (9 = grid 3x3) Hot Spots to click on the widget. Clicked Hot Spot Index Position can then be passed to the executed script via Parameter Variables Substitution $QBW_HOTSPOT_PRESS (0=Not Pressed or other update policy,1=Top Left,2=Top Center,3=Top Right,4=Center Left,5=Center,6=Center Right,7=Bottom Left,8=Bottom Center,9=Bottom Right) * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which hold Proxy related information: $QBW_HTTP_PROXY, $QBW_HTTPS_PROXY, $QBW_FTP_PROXY, $QBW_SOCKS_PROXY, $QBW_RTSP_PROXY (In the format <host:port>) * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which hold Proxy related information: $QBW_IGNORE_HOSTS_PROXY (In the format <host1;host2;host...>) * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which hold proxy related information: $QBW_AUTO_CONFIG_PROXY_URL * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which hold status or persistency information stored in configuration via DBUS method call set_param_string string:"rememberMe" string:<rememberthis> : $QBW_REMEMBER_ME. Useful, for example, for remembering values like counters across subsequent command executions. * Changed: Logic to purge configuration settings of non-existent QBW instances from configuration file. (Check/Purge performed at every entrance in Settings dialog) * Bugfixing: Reentrancy problem with Settings dialog box. At times, in case of laggy interface, 2 or more instances of dialog were opening. Fixed. * Bugfixing: Incomplete unreferentiation of DBUS resources. Fixed. * Bugfixing: Incomplete unreferentiation of callback functions for async command execution and timers. Fixed. * Bugfixing: Incorrect logic for updating when widget desktop was active/on. It was updating also when active widget's desktop was swept off. Now updates content only if "Update on Desktop" is TRUE and Widget's Desktop is being swept on. Fixed.
queen-beecon (0.1.9.5)
* New: Added supplementary progress images/icons (cycle is "queen-beecon-progress[0-3].png") searching logic in directory storage in this order 1) "~/Mydocs/.images/queen_beecon_dir" 2) "~/.queen_beecon_dir" * New: Added button in Command Edit dialog to add instance only commands to the list of stored commands * New: Implementation of following DBUS methods: get_current_results_text (Get current content of results text) * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts which holds the current content of results text ($QBW_CURRENT_RESULTS_TEXT=Current content of results text) * Changed: Default shape for Beecons is now rectangle. Hexagonal cell will be only shown when pressed * Changed: Shadow/Light effects on widget surface, either when pressed or not, are now fixed in size (~4px) * Changed: Changed some logic in simple Command Edit dialog box * Changed: After instance imported, now advanced dialog box closes and reverts back to settings with all parameters reloaded * Changed: Changed Warning and Information notification in Advanced Settings to display hildon_banner* * Changed: Changed DBUS connection acquisition for DBUS Monitor. * Bugfixing: Refined and fixed logic for DBUS Monitor initialization and deinitialization * Bugfixing: Changed and fixed logic for handling/displaying Exit Code if error spawning asynchronous command * Bugfixing: New asynchronous execution logic was not releasing file handles. Fixed
queen-beecon (0.1.9.4)
* New: Ability to execute scripts by intercepting specific DBUS broadcasted signals/methods issued by the system or other applications + Relevant configuration parameters (Ex.keyboard lock, slide open/close, ecc.) * New: Parameter Variables substitution for using with scripts triggered by intercepted DBUS broadcasted signals/methods ($QBW_EXEC_REASON=QBW_DBUS_MONITOR, $QBW_DBUS_VERBOSE_OUTPUT=Verbose Output see WIKI) * Changed: Changed icons for displaying command execution in progress (shown when script in progress and hidden on execution completion) * Changed: Package installation now performs an automatic restart of hildon-home process * Bugfixing: Memory reallocation bugs fixed in new async command execution logic
queen-beecon (0.1.9.3)
* New: Added icon for displaying command execution in progress (shown when script in progress and hidden on execution completion) * New: Implementation of Asynchronous Non Hildon-Home blocking command execution (Test Drive is still Synchronous for command timing evaluation purposes) * Changed: - * Bugfixing: Memory reallocation bugs fixed for all string values management in settigs dialog box
queen-beecon (0.1.9.2)
* New: Added custom timeout in seconds for periodic update, not just predefined list of values * Changed: Restyle in settings configuration for Update Policies, Fonts & Colors Buttons * Bugfixing:
queen-beecon (0.1.9.1)
* New: Parameter Variables substitution usable by script (Ex. Own Instance ID, Reason for updating content) * New: Implementation of Command and Results text orientation angle (w/ relevant configuration parameters) * New: New extended color dialog for background and foreground colors (Old color selection deprecated; backward compatibility for instances exported from previous releases is guaranteed and settings upgraded as necessary) * Changed: Restyle in settings configuration for Beecon Command Exit Statuses area & Command Title/Results Settings area + changed color settings appearance * Bugfixing: Disabled instance (icon) wasn't correctly drawn on startup; fixed * Bugfixing: Memory deallocation bug for >=3 Exit Status image file beecon_idxge2_ImgFilename; fixed
queen-beecon (0.1.9)
* New: New extended font dialog for command and results labels (Old font selection deprecated; backward compatibility for instances exported from previous releases is guaranteed and settings upgraded as necessary) * Changed: Due to new font settings implementation, exported instances from this release onward will have their fonts reset to command="Nokia Sans bold italic 12" results="Nokia Sans bold 12" when imported in previous releases * Bugfixing: Some fixing and cleanup in package install/uninstall
queen-beecon (0.1.8-testonly-PR1.2)
* WARNING This release is for testing purposes only as PR1.2 upgrade brought some instabilities which need forensics!!! * New: Implementation of DBUS methods: reset_rearm_timer * New: QBW is now integrated into the N900 system backup/restore features according to standard specifications as better described in SDK "Using Backup Application" http://wiki.maemo.org/Documentation/Maemo_5_Developer_Guide/Generic_Platform_Components/Using_Backup_Application#Custom_back-up_locations * Changed: Completely revised Timer logic and reset/re-arming for widget periodic auto-update * Changed: Visual feedback when Beecons pressed; now rectangle gets drawn as well as cell (better chance of noticing feedback for canvas-less Beecons) * Bugfixing: Fixed segmentation fault if dbus get_position method called and dbus_method_monitor turned on
queen-beecon (0.1.7-PR1.1.1)
* NOTE: Special Build for PR1.1.1 * New: Implementation of Widget Instance visibility toggle and configuration parameter (for showing or hiding the widget also via DBUS) * New: Implementation of following DBUS methods: dbus_method_monitor, show, hide, wakeup, sleep, update_content, update_layout, exec, set_param_string, set_param_int32, set_param_uint32, set_param_double, set_param_boolean, get_param string, set_position, get_position, get_exit_status * New: Implementation of following DBUS signals: sig_content_updated * Changed: Enhanced DBUS implementation for Widget2Widget & System2Widget Inter Process Communication * Changed: Changed default values for some Update Policies in new QBW instances (updOnStartup now defaults to FALSE; updOnDesktop now defaults to FALSE) to prevent bugged Beecons from freezing hildon-home even after restart * Respect: To querty12@talk.maemo.org Many, many, many, many, many thanks for supporting QBW IPC implementation
queen-beecon (0.1.6)
* New: Simple DBUS implementation for Widget2Widget & System2Widget Inter Process Communication * New: Added Widget Instance ID in Settings Dialog Title * Changed: Compiled Vs. PR1.2
queen-beecon (0.1.5)
* Changed: Thanks "qwerty12" disabled automatic capitalization for all text entry fields
queen-beecon (0.1.4)
* New: Implementation of Widget Instance disabling and minimizing on desktop (click on minimized icon on desktop will wakeup and maximize instance) * New: Implementation of image/icon scaling function for all images used (Zoom In/Out from 5% to 200% or Fit to Widget Width/Height) * Bugfixing: In Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box several bugfixes for Import/Export commands and instances,
queen-beecon (0.1.3)
* New: Added possibility to show or hide both snippet's image/text and beecon image/text. This way you can have two images and two text placeholders on widget, for more flexibility in graphic layout * New: Added supplementary images/icons directory storage "~/Mydocs/.images/queen_beecon_dir". If images/icons without path are not found here then they are searched in "~/.queen_beecon_dir". For easier population via USB of BLUETOOTH File Services. * New: Added functions in Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box: instance export/import w/ checksum, command export/import w/ checksum, command update with current Test Drive buffer, clipboard operations * New: Added some confirmation dialogs for critical operations and some notification messages * New: Added possibility to use different images/icons for Command Exit Statuses >=3 . Basically the Exit Status value will be appended to a fixed image filename and relevant image will be loaded (ex. "queen-beecon-status.png.3" ... 4 ... 5 ...) * New: Basic Images/Icons for Snippets and Beecon Statuses incorporated into .deb package and installed inside canonical hildon hicolor 48x48 directory * Bugfixing: Fixed size and positioning of controls in Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box * Bugfixing: Removed directory purge in "rmnobraco.sh" script * Bugfixing: Checked and removed some memory leaks and resources deallocation (were causing hildon-home desktop to crash on instance disposal) * Changed: Restyle and lots of optimization in Settings Dialog Box UI layout * Changed: Widget's fill gradients when background is enabled * Changed: Restyle in Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box interface, now more functional and user friendly * Changed: When opening Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box, command in current instance is automatically copied to the TestDrive command text box * Changed: Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box changed font to Monospace Bold for the three text views for inproved visibility
queen-beecon (0.1.2)
* New: Implemented Pango Markup Language support for both Command Title and Output Results text (Description HERE) * New: Basic implementation of Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box (For future use like export/import ...) * New: Advanced Maintenance Dialog Box: TestDrive mode (to display raw output of predefined or user-defined commands) * Changed: Had to change description in debian "control" file (Testers Karma-- me for this) * Changed: Changed logic in settings dialog box, now it doesn't redraw unless strictly necessary and just content and controls which need it. Also quicker transition to main settings when back from child dialog boxes.
queen-beecon (0.1.1)
* Changed: Visual feedback for widget pressure is now also provided for Canvas-less beecons and snippets (button down canvas is displayed when pressed) * Changed: Changed default size for newly created instances (50px=>100px) * Changed: Housekeeping for dead/disposed instances is now run on each instance initialization and on class termination (should be more accurate now) * Bugfixing: Writing/Reading configuration file inconsistencies fixed * Bugfixing: Correction in images (status/results/title) hide/show logic. If images displayed and then commented out, they kept showing! - FIXED
queen-beecon (0.1.0)
* WARNING! Architecture and readibility of code has been heavily revised for implementing the new functionalities... * WARNING! Please bear with possible regressions and report bugs to the Maintainer * New: Implemented the possibility to hide the background Canvas both for Beecons and Snippets * New: Implemented the possibility to use different icons/images for Beecon's status output instead of just specific background color (Ex. 0=green led, 1=yellow led, 2=red led) (with high positioning versatility) * New: Implemented the possibility to use icons/images instead of text both for Beecons/Snippets command title and output (with high positioning versatility) * New: Implemented creation and management of private general purpose directory "~/.queen_beecon_dir" for widget (images/icons/etc.) * New: Implemented "Update on widget Startup" option for every instance * New: Implemented basic management/deletion of dead/disposed instances configurations data from config file * New: Added button "Save & Run" settings dialog which saves settings and contextually triggers command execution * Changed: Widget Layout is now nicer with better gummy "button-press" like visual feedback using Gradient fill * Changed: Button Save in settings dialog does not trigger a command execution any more * Changed: Now command do not get updated after getting back from settings dialog (even after "save"); relevant event only drives updates (manual, timer, desktop, network)
queen-beecon (0.0.3)
* Bugfixing for widget resize(dimensions) and positioning * Bugfixing for general network related behaviours and content update, even after settings change * Bugfixing for Command Edit and blank command selector after returning from command edit dialog * Changed Exit Code output for command from !?0000xxxx to !?xxxx * Changed Command Output is returned, if any, even if Exit Code less then 0
queen-beecon (0.0.2)
* First Extras-devel release
queen-beecon (0.0.1)
* Initial Basic Queen BeeCon Implementation
TODO list
- Bugfixing and Improving Stability
- Instance Import/Export optimization and simplification
HOW-TOs & FAQs
Create a new Basic Instance of QBW
After you have installed QBW package, these are the steps to create and start customizing a new Instance of the widget.
- Tap on an empty area of the Desktop and gear icon for configuration will pop up in the upper right area of the screen
- Click on the "Add widget" button
- Scroll selector till you find "Queen Beecon Widget" and click on it
- A new instance of the widget will be created with very basic default configuration
- Now if you click on the Settings Wrench Icon you'll reach the Settins Dialog for customization
How and Where to store Icons and Images for your Beecons
If no PATH is specified in the Settings for Icons & Images, QBW will look in directories on the phone's internal memories in the following order:
- First, the directory accessible via Bluetooth/PC Suite/OVI Suite or USB (Storage Mode).
/home/user/MyDocs/.images/queen_beecon_dir/
- WARNING!!! When phone is connected via USB in Storage Mode this directory is not available to the Widget; so if you plan to use QBW when in Storage Mode use directory in "Second" point.
- Second, the directory:
/home/user/.queen_beecon_dir
- Third, the directory where QBW's Package Icons are stored:
/usr/share/icons/hicolor/48x48/hildon/
If you want to replace a partial/complete set of QBW's Package Icons just create Icons/Images with same name in directories "First" or "Second"
If specified image is not found, following icon will appear:
Create an Exit Status driven Multi Images Beecon
Naive Dice Roller is a good place to start looking for such implementation.
Scripts/Commands with long output
Some scripts/commands may create multiple lines which are too long to be displayed on a single line. The widget will not wrap these. In order to wrap them you can use the fold command:
command-that-produces-long-lines | fold -s -w 80
The 80 in that instance is the maximum length of the line, which you can change. The -s option makes fold word wrap with spaces. More information is available from the fold man page.
Backup all Widget Instances
Apply Export/Save/Backup Procedure for Beecon Instance Data for every Widget Instance you want to Backup
Save content (Beecons' Images) of directories:
/home/user/.queen_beecon_dir /home/user/MyDocs/.images/queen_beecon_dir/
Restore all Widget Instances
Apply Import/Load/Restore Procedure for Beecon Exported Instance Data for every Widget Instance you want to Restore
Restore content (Beecons' Images) of directories:
/home/user/.queen_beecon_dir /home/user/MyDocs/.images/queen_beecon_dir/
Import/Load/Restore Procedure for Beecon Exported Instance Data
Export/Save/Backup Procedure for Beecon Instance Data
Copy Exported Instance Data from Browser to Phone's Clipboard
Reset QBW to Default Configuration/Commands
- Open up X-Terminal (or SSH/Putty into N900) and issue the following command
sudo gainroot (only if you are not already root) rm /home/user/.queen_beecon killall hildon-home
Completely remove QBW from your N900
- Open up X-Terminal (or SSH/Putty into N900) and issue the following command
sudo gainroot (only if you are not already root) dpkg -P queen-beecon rm /home/user/.queen_beecon rm -r /home/user/.queen_beecon_dir rm -r /home/user/MyDocs/.images/queen_beecon_dir/
Run every Desktop Application with different Icons/Sizes buttons
You can run every desktop application with a script like this and just change the image and size of the Beecon to one of your choice:
dbus-send --type=method_call --dest=com.nokia.HildonDesktop.AppMgr /com/nokia/HildonDesktop/AppMgr com.nokia.HildonDesktop.AppMgr.LaunchApplication string:"<application name here>"
where <application name here> is application name that you can find in /usr/share/applications/hildon directory w/o trailing .desktop
Example for launching the image viewer:
/usr/bin/dbus-send --dest=com.nokia.HildonDesktop.AppMgr /com/nokia/HildonDesktop/AppMgr com.nokia.HildonDesktop.AppMgr.LaunchApplication string:image-viewer
Run Application in xterm with different Icons/Sizes buttons
You can run every application in xterm and customize a button on Desktop to launch it.
Create invisible clickable Hot Spots on your Desktop Background Image to launch Applications or perform Actions
See Here and follow-up posts.
Relocate/Rotate a QBW widget on a Keyboard slide event
See Here and follow-up posts.
FAQs
Could you make an easy way to install new beecons/scripts please?
... perhaps define a standard folder structure inside a compressed file, perhaps some install directions file inside to guide instalation, and use a custom extension; kinda like how Firefox does with XPIs, and add some GUI to install/uninstall them
This is a good question and I still haven't figured out a good answer.
Here are a few issues I mused about.
- QBW is not a standalone application; it is a Hildon-Desktop/Home plugin (a library) with plenty of constraints and with a certain fixed integration with the whole system. Messing with it it's a pain in the a**
- I tried to find a simple operational way to achieve what you are asking for, here, but to my knowledge and due to the nature of HD-HH I couldn't find any better, faster, simpler, cuter or leanier way.
- QBWs, which get shared by the community or myself, are just mockups or proof of concepts which are meant to be "abused", "mishandled" and further customized to match each one's expectations and visual/functional taste
- The complexity of some QBWs requires manual intervention to adapt to each and everyone's environment (Ex. the QBW Instance ID used for inter-widget communication varies on each machine). To my knowledge, the automation of this adaptation process is very time consuming and far from being error-proof. I preferred to focus my effort in the most interesting area of functionalities
- QBW is a very powerful tool and can do a lot of good and nasty things... so: the more you expose its behaviour and the more "open" the code and effects will be
- Maemo ain't for doubleclickers
I know there is no proper answer here...
Easter Eggs
Magic Word for bypassing Export/Import Instance Data CheckSum protection
Use the Source ... Luke! ;) or ask politely!!!
Troubleshooting
Startup
If you are having issues at widget startup because of improper "Update on Widget/System Startup" settings:
- Open up X-Terminal (or SSH/Putty into N900) and issue the following commands:
sudo gainroot (only if you are not already root) vi /home/user/.queen_beecon
- find updOnStartup=true (all instances supposed to be culprits)
- Set it to false (updOnStartup=false)
- Save file
- Immediately issue:
killall hildon-home
- hildon-home will automatically restart and widgets won't run any more at startup
Running
QBW Warning! Possible Pango Markup Language inconsistent/unterminated Tag!
If you are using Pango Markup Language Tags as output from your scripts, make sure all Tags are correctly written/spelled and terminated. Make also sure that there is an explicit <newline> at the very end of your output.
If you need to display the following special characters:
These NEED to be escaped:
- The less-than character (<) starts element markup (the first character of a start-tag or an end-tag). Escape: <
- The greater-than character (>) ends a start-tag or an end-tag. Escape: >
These MIGHT NEED to be escaped:
- The ampersand character (&) starts entity markup (the first character of a character entity reference). Escape: &
- The double-quote character (") can be symbolised with this character entity reference when you need to embed a double-quote inside a string which is already double-quoted. Escape: "
- The apostrophe or single-quote character (') can be symbolised with this character entity reference when you need to embed a single-quote or apostrophe inside a string which is already single-quoted. Escape: '
Beecon seems to hang when fetching data or accessing the Internet/Network
Please have a look to THIS post for Timeout and Proxy related issues.
You can also have a look at THIS section of the WIKI for proxy related information
Advanced Settings and Tools Dialog Box
QBW Warning! Expected/Shown Command Output mismatch. Possible charset different from UTF-8!
If you press TestDrive for a command and the Exit Status and Command RAW Output Buffer still displays "Exit Status & Command RAW Output will be displayed HERE" then maybe your output contains a charset different from UTF-8.
To have the Command Output properly displayed, try to append "| iconv --from-code=ISO-8859-1 --to-code=UTF-8". Ex.
... command1 | iconv --from-code=ISO-8859-1 --to-code=UTF-8
WARNING! Bad Checksum! Possibly corrupt Import Instance/Command Data!
Every exported QBW Instance/Command Data is protected by a checksum value which is stored in the header part of the export.
There are a few reason why I chose to do that:
- To preserve integrity of what the author of the QBW created (and supposedly assumed "working")
- To prevent unwanted changes to the data due to clipboard copy/paste operations
- To ease the QBW exported data import process, and avoid some extra effort in coding import/export routines, by using the
g_key_file_*APIs
Exported data is not "pure" configuration text; it is "meta-text" with some extra escape characters (Newline, tab, carriage return, backslash, blank which are escaped as \n, \t, \r, \\, \s respectively)
This is why directly changing the data inside the import/export buffer or in a text editor before importing is strictly discouraged (unless, of course, you know what you are doing and side effects)
Published Beecons, Scripts & Commands
Beecons
"2 States" ON/OFF Button
The Beecon will display a "2 States Button" which is "ON" on widget/system startup and toggles at every press.
Custom Battery Charge Status
The Beecon will display a custom battery status widget
(Study) MLBeecon Reloaded
The Beecon will display a multi-tabbed view of MLB Baseball News, Scoreboard and Standings
Clock Control Panel
Thanks 2 Dany-69
The Beecons will increase or decrease the maximum frequency of the processor.
Overclock Control Panel I
Thanks 2 techie
The Beecon will provide following features:
- Widget to display temperature and also perform smart overclocking i.e set max cpu clock according to how hot/cool the device is (runs at specified intervals).
- A stock widget to revert to default kernel, disables smart overclocking.
- A widget to set max clock to 950, disables smart overclocking, useful as a power boost when I like want to watch a video without any stuttering, and can do without the temperature widget clocking it down in case it gets hot.
- A widget to display the current maximum cpu frequency.
- And yeah also, locking the device changes the limits to 250 500, unlocking enables the temperature widget so it clocks according to temperature again.
Switch MicroB browser User Agent strings
Thanks 2 sacal
The Beecons will switch between 3 or 4 MicroB browser User Agent strings
Bright Display when On Charge, Dim when On Battery
The Beecons with dbus monitoring will manage to bring backlight to max when connected to power supply, and dim it back when disconected
Poker Dice
The Beecon will let you play a funny Poker Dice Game
On Desktop Dialer Widget
The Beecon will let you dial phone numbers straight from you desktop
O'clocker CPU Frequency Monitor
The Beecon will display different frequencies in graphic format based upon /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_cur_freq file
Random images from Flickr's 'Most Interesting' pages
The Beecon will display random photos/images from http://m.flickr.com. Change update policies as per your taste.
N900 Overclocking (Thanks Jakiman and all contributors)
The Guide will give you a thorough insight of the N900 overclocking methods with plenty of instructions and tutorials. QBW will provide a GUI Button for switching OC Frequencies
Random Images/Photos Slideshow (4x3 and 16x9 frames)
The Beecon will display random photos/images from a specified directory. Both 4x3 and 16x9 aspect ratios white frames are provided. Change update policies as per your taste.
N900 Mini Monitor (Extras Admission Celebration Edition)!!!
The Beecon will show System Information relevant to Battery, CPU and Load, Uptime, Network/Internet, WIFI and File Systems.
Zodiac Personal Horoscope (Italian + Bonus Read Talk)
The Beecon will show your horoscope for the day. It will be personalized with the image/icon of the sign you specify.
Lunar Phases
The Beecon will show the current phase of the moon.
Ebay Item Watcher
The Beecon will watch an item that you specify and will provide a small Photo, Item Number, Current Bid or Buy It Now Price, Time Left for bidding, Bid Count, High Bidder and Quantity.
Internet Traffic Report Live Graphs
The Beecons will fetch some Graphs from the Internet Traffic Report website. The Internet Traffic Report monitors the flow of data around the world. It then displays a value between zero and 100. Higher values indicate faster and more reliable connections. See ITR FAQs to learn more.
Today Schedules for TVRage.com Favourites TV Serials
The Beecon will also provide a small miniature if your most favourite Show is aired on the day.
N900 Hard Sleep Mode
The Beecon will put the N900 into Hard Sleep Mode. When pressed, it'll perform the following actions: Set WIFI OFF, Change phone network mode to GSM, Shutdown all network connections, Blank the screen, Lock device
European Soccer Leagues Live Results and Next Matches Beecon
The Beecon will also be able to highlight the match of your favourite Team and display a Green ball if it is winning, Yellow ball if match is tied, Red ball if team is losing, White ball if match is still not currently being played.
World Cup 2010 South Africa - Live Results, News and Next Matches
The Beecon will also provide the most recent WC2010 news and will be able to highlight the match of your favourite Team and display, behind mascot, a Green ball if it is winning, Yellow ball if match is tied, Red ball if team is losing, White ball if match is still not currently being played.
Naive Dice Roller
The Beecon will show a dice that you'll be able to roll by clicking on it.
World Day & Night Zones
The Beecon will display a map of the world and current position of the Sun, indicating which parts of the Earth are in day and which are in night.
European Accuweather Meteo
The Beecon will display the meteo graphs provided by Accuweather.com for Western Europe
MRTG The Multi Router Traffic Grapher
The Beecon will display the graphs provided by the uber-famous MRTG - The Multi Router Traffic Grapher
GMail: New Mail Notifier Beecon
The Beecon will display an empty mailbox icon or a yellow full mailbox icon and the number of new unread messages of the specified GMail account
Italian Ringroads (Tangenziali) Live Traffic Beecon
The Beecon is configured to display Live Traffic graphic status of Milan Ringroads System. Other major cities in Italy are also available: ROME, TURIN, FLORENCE, NAPLES, BOLOGNA!
MLB Major League Baseball Matches of the Day (+tutorial/walkthrough)
The Beecon will display near Real Time MLB Major League Baseball Matches results. The Widget is also capable of showing different icons/images/emoticons according to the result of a Favourite Team.
Thanks 2 gkuenning for alternative script
Scripts & Commands
Desktop Command Execution Widget scripts Warning: This are scripts for Desktop Command Execution Widget; QBW has extended functionalities so it might be needed to tweak scripts or commands a little bit for both cosmetic and functional improvements.
Useful References
DbusScripts is a daemon that can execute a command when various actions occurs on DBus
Phone_control D-Bus commands can be run from terminal or as shell scripts. Useful for scheduling events with fcron, executing commands, , startup events, install scripts, etc.