Alias Creation Script

Description

This script facilitates the creation of command aliases. It prompts the user for an alias name and the file path of the script or command to be aliased. If the alias name ends with .py, it prepends python3 to the command. The script ensures that the alias is added to the shell configuration file (.bashrc) and creates a corresponding alias script in the .alias_changes directory. It logs all alias changes and opens the created alias script in a text editor for further modifications.

The script performs the following tasks:

• Creates the /home/$USER/.alias_changes directory if it doesn't already exist.
• Appends the alias to the .bashrc file.
• Logs the alias changes in oem_before_alias_log.
• Creates an alias script in the .alias_changes directory.
• Opens the alias script in the default text editor (xed).

Examples

Example 1: Creating an Alias for a Python Script

# Run the script
python3 path/to/this_script.py

# Enter the alias name and file path when prompted
Enter the name for the alias: testthis.py
Enter the file path (including .py for Python scripts): /home/whonow/python_testing/testthis.py

# Apply the alias changes
source ~/.bashrc

# Now you can run the alias directly
testthis.py

Example 2: Creating an Alias for a Shell Command

# Run the script
python3 path/to/this_script.py

# Enter the alias name and file path when prompted
Enter the name for the alias: mycommand
Enter the file path (including .py for Python scripts): /home/whonow/scripts/mycommand.sh

# Apply the alias changes
source ~/.bashrc

# Now you can run the alias directly
mycommand

Example 3: Creating an Alias for a Custom Script

# Run the script
python3 path/to/this_script.py

# Enter the alias name and file path when prompted
Enter the name for the alias: runscript
Enter the file path (including .py for Python scripts): /home/whonow/custom/runscript

# Apply the alias changes
source ~/.bashrc

# Now you can run the alias directly
runscript

Future Improvements

• Future versions of this script will include the ability to select and delete no longer desired aliases, providing a more comprehensive alias management system.