[Konsole-devel] [Bug 58868] New: selection of gnu screen sessions

[krishnoid at wapacut.com]

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http://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=58868     
           Summary: selection of gnu screen sessions
           Product: konsole
           Version: unspecified
          Platform: Debian stable
        OS/Version: Linux
            Status: UNCONFIRMED
          Severity: wishlist
          Priority: NOR
         Component: general
        AssignedTo: konsole-devel at kde.org
        ReportedBy: krishnoid at wapacut.com


Version:            (using KDE KDE 3.1.1a)
Installed from:    Debian stable Packages
OS:          Linux

Some kind of integration with gnu screen, via menu options to select a running screen session and possibly to manipulate the screen session, would be very helpful.

I state up front that this wish is partially formed.  I know that one big problem I've had under UNIX for 15 years is that when I start a terminal session running some program, I can't detach it and come back to it later (which we've all gotten used to, but seems like it should be standard functionality).  As such, I can definitely see the following being handy:

* context menu for konsole to select an existing gnu screen session from a list of existing sessions and display it in a new virtual terminal, or maybe in the current virtual terminal

* possibly a dialog box to list existing screen sessions when the 'new screen session' session type is started

* context menu for konsole session running screen to switch between running screen sessions or perform other screen operations (like switch window, etc)

I admit I don't know how to make the most of gnu screen yet. Its man page clearly outlines a lot of functionality for managing connections between processes and terminals.  VNC currently solves part of this problem (and KDE's integration with it is awesome), but gnu screen solves the rest of it.  Unfortunately, it does so in a way that requires memorizing commands and keys to get full use out of it.  To me, this screams for the use of its own gui tool or integration into an existing terminal program with a handful of context menus to elaborate all the options available.

I use konsole all the time.  With the ability to access gnu screen's capabilities and sessions from a menu, I see myself immediately learning more about gnu screen's capabilities, demonstrating them to others, and getting more out of my system.

I'm still sort of surprised that this kind of functionality wasn't immediately made available as a standard utility once 'ptys' were introduced into Unix.  I can't count the number of times I've left software installing (under IRIX, I admit, but bear with me) and come back the next day to discover that it failed, required feedback for a next step, or completed but required confirmation to finish.  Anyone reading this must have a similar story to tell.

Finally, I reiterate that this wish is partially formed.  My general wish is that I be able to use and demonstrate the power of gnu screen-like functionality, without having to memorize keystroke commands to start using it (except the handful needed to monitor processes when ssh'd in), and to be able to do it from konsole, since I use it *all* the time.  I hope this description is sufficient to design and implement/integrate the functionality within the UI guidelines.

Thank you for an excellent suite of software.