pydzen

Pydzen is an excellent wrapper script that easily creates beautiful status bars around dzen. As for the requirements, Python and dzen are highly recommended. Installing the service is simple. Copy the 'pydzen.py' file and move it to a directory such as '~/bin/' or '/usr/local/bin/'. Once that's done, create a '.pydzen/' directory in your home and move both the 'pydzenrc' file and the 'plugin/' directory into it. Customize the 'pydzenrc' and the plugins to fit the next paragraph's specifications. Keep in mind that the shipped plugins require a more recent Dzen version. You can acquire an updated version from the website. Presently, pydzen has been tested using revision 215 from the subversion repository.

The 'pydzenrc' file contains all the settings necessary to make your status bar look the way you like. Most of the settings are self-explanatory. Adding new settings and later using them in plugins is simple by defining them in the 'pydzenrc'. Some plugins require special modifications, such as particular pathways. These edits can be made within the specific plugin files located in the 'user config' sections.

Plugins are straightforward; the plugin is just a Python file that primarily contains an update() function. This function should return text strings with proper dzen2 formatting, or None if you want nothing to be displayed. Utilize 'utils' and 'config' from the pydzen package in plugins to use the current configuration and helpful functions. Check out the existing plugins to see it in action.

If you notice any bugs or want to recommend features, please email them to the designated email. If you wish to make patches manually, please ensure you have the most up-to-date version of the repository. Run 'hg pull' and 'hg update' or 'hg fetch' if you already have the repository. Apply your changes, committing them locally by running 'hg commit -m"short description of your changes".' Finally, send the patch using mercurials patchbomb extension or export your modifications manually.