Create global shortcut to run command line applications

Question

What steps do I need to run a command line program via a global shortcut?

I setup Automator to create a new Run Shell Script and tried to assign a shortcut in System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Keyboard Shortcuts, but nothing happened.

Answer 1

Applescript it:

do shell script "ls ~/Desktop"

Add what you want there, then you can run the Applescript via a global hot key application. I would recommend Spark.

Oh, and I don't know about assigning an shortcut through System Preferences

Answer 2

FastScripts includes all scripts in ~/Library/Scripts/, so you don't have to add files manually. It also supports application-specific scripts.

Other applications that can be used to assign shortcuts for running scripts:

• Alfred
• Apptivate
• BetterTouchTool
• Butler
• Cockpit
• Controller Mate
• iKey
• Keyboard Maestro
• NuKit (only AppleScript)
• QuicKeys
• Quicksilver
• Shortcuts (only AppleScript)
• Spark
• ThisService

You can also create an Automator service:

1. Open Automator and choose the Service template
2. Add a Run Shell Script or Run AppleScript action
3. Check that the input type and application scope are correct
4. Paste the script and save the service
5. Assign a shortcut in the Keyboard preference pane

There's a bug in 10.7 and 10.8 where the shortcuts for services don't always work until the services menu has been shown from the menu bar. Shortcuts for services don't work when the frontmost application doesn't have a menu bar or a services menu. There's also a short delay before services are run.

Answer 3

Without knowing the specifics of what you are looking for, I'd suggest creating a new Service through Automator. Services can be bound to keystroke triggers, and can execute shell scripts (among other things).

Answer 4

Quicksilver can be used to bind hotkeys to actions.

If you find yourself doing something frequently, you can speed up the task even more by assigning a “trigger” to it. Triggers can be activated by keyboard shortcuts or mouse movements

If it's a Unix command or shell script you want to execute, this Stackoverflow post gives some more information on using Quicksilver's "Terminal module".

Answer 5

It appears as though this was available in 10.6, (see http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20090903085255430) but something broke in 10.7.2 (and possibly earlier 10.7)

I have found though that the Services keyboard shortcut is honoured when System Preferences is at the forefront, but not in any other application, including Finder.

However, the earlier suggestion to use Spark worked perfectly in lion, except that I couldn't use Ctrl in my keyboard shortcut. (not a showstopper!)