- 377 words - 3 min read

The Problem

As Linux power users, we're always looking for ways to streamline our workflows. But what happens when your favorite web application doesn't provide an API or CLI? This is the situation with brain.fm, a focus-enhancing music service that runs exclusively in the browser.

No API? No CLI? No problem.

Enter xdotool: The Unsung Hero

xdotool is a command-line utility that simulates keyboard and mouse input. It's part of the X11 ecosystem that many Linux distributions rely on, and it's surprisingly powerful for automation tasks. 

# Install xdotool on Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt-get install xdotool

The Solution: A Simple Toggle Script

Let's create a script that can play/pause brain.fm music regardless of which window you're currently using: 

#!/bin/bash

# Store the currently focused window ID
CURRENT_WINDOW=$(xdotool getwindowfocus)

# Find the window ID of the browser with brain.fm
WINDOW_ID=$(xdotool search --name "brain.fm" | head -1)

if [ -z "$WINDOW_ID" ]; then
  echo "brain.fm window not found"
  exit 1
fi

# Focus the window and send the space key
xdotool windowactivate $WINDOW_ID
xdotool key space

# Return focus to the original window
xdotool windowactivate $CURRENT_WINDOW

Save this script as brain-fm-toggle.sh and make it executable with chmod +x brain-fm-toggle.sh.

Binding to a Hotkey

A script is only useful if it's easily accessible. Let's bind it to a keyboard shortcut:

Using xbindkeys

  1. First, install xbindkeys: 

    sudo apt-get install xbindkeys

  2. Create or edit ~/.xbindkeysrc: 

    # Play/pause brain.fm with Alt+p
"~/path/to/brain-fm-toggle.sh"
  alt + p

  3. Start (or restart) xbindkeys: 

    killall xbindkeys 2>/dev/null; xbindkeys

For Window Managers with Built-in Key Binding

If you're using a window manager like i3, add this to your config: 

bindsym $mod+p exec ~/path/to/brain-fm-toggle.sh

Why This Matters

This isn't just about brain.fm. The principle applies to any web application.

Conclusion

The Linux command line remains one of the most powerful productivity tools available. Don't let the lack of official APIs discourage you - with creative use of utilities like xdotool and key binding mechanisms, you can automate nearly anything.

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