For example, applications like Files or Document Viewer in Ubuntu:
If I want to focus a window like Sublime Text, then wmctrl -a "Sublime" is straightforward, but for Files, the title can be "Desktop" or "Documents" or whatever folder I'm in.
Basically, I'm trying to adapt the directions here: Custom hotkey/shortcut to open/bring to front an app so that they work when there isn't a constant unique string in the title.
You could use xdotool:
xdotool search --all --onlyvisible --class nautilus windowactivate %@
It will saerch for windows in the WM_CLASS "nautilus" and then focuses those windows.
To find out the WM_CLASS of a window use that command:
xprop WM_CLASS
Then click at the desired window. The output would be (in case of nautilus):
WM_CLASS(STRING) = "nautilus", "Nautilus"
The first one is the class the second one the class name. You can use those values with xdotool as above. It doesn't matter what title the window has.
Not sure it covers your use case, but I made a tool that allows you to pin a specific window with a shortcut and bring it back to the front :
https://hyperkeys.xureilab.com
https://github.com/xurei/hyperkeys
You can choose the shortcut you want. I personally use SHIFT+ALT+[QWER] to pin and ALT+[QWER] to bring to front.
This is an open-source, linux-first tool. A Windows version is also available.
Hope it helps ! I'm looking for feedback, so if you have any question, create an issue ;-)
For the archive: https://gist.github.com/psi-4ward/18c3a596d28a3cfa772101af755545df
A script that respect recently used applications
