Kitty Not Launching Distrobox From Ulauncher

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Introduction

In this article, we will explore the issue of Kitty not launching Distrobox instances from Ulauncher. We will delve into the possible causes of this problem, including Ulauncher and Kitty configuration, and provide a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Background

Ulauncher is a popular launcher application for Linux that allows users to launch applications and perform various tasks with ease. Distrobox is a tool that enables users to run multiple Linux distributions within a single Linux installation. Kitty is a terminal emulator that provides a feature-rich and customizable interface for users.

The Issue

The issue at hand is that Kitty is not launching Distrobox instances from Ulauncher, despite the fact that the same command works when run from Kitty or Konsole. The error message received is "Failed to launch child: /usr/bin/distrobox enter arch With error: No such file or directory".

Reproducing the Issue

To reproduce the issue, follow these steps:

  1. Install Ulauncher and a Distrobox instance (Docker Arch, uBlue Fedora, etc.)
  2. In Ulauncher's preferences, set kitty -e as default terminal
  3. Open the Distrobox from Ulauncher
  4. Kitty opens; see error

Environment Details

The environment details are as follows:

  • Ulauncher v5.15.7
  • Kitty 0.41.1 created by Kovid Goyal
  • Linux hyperlight 6.14.4-300.fc42.x86_64 #1 SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Fri Apr 25 15:43:38 UTC 2025 x86_64
  • Kernel 6.14.4-300.fc42.x86_64 on x86_64 (/dev/tty)
  • Running under: Wayland (Hyprland v0.45.2,)
  • OpenGL: '4.6 (Core Profile) Mesa 25.0.2' Detected version: 4.6
  • Frozen: False
  • Fonts:
    • medium: 0xProtoNF-Regular: /home/treeways/.local/share/fonts/0xProto/0xProtoNerdFont-Regular.ttf:0
    • bold: 0xProtoNF-Bold: /home/treeways/.local/share/fonts/0xProto/0xProtoNerdFont-Bold.ttf:0
    • italic: 0xProtoNF-Italic: /home/treeways/.local/share/fonts/0xProto/0xProtoNerdFont-Italic.ttf:0
    • bi: 0xProtoNF-Italic: /home/treeways/.local/share/fonts/0xProto/0xProtoNerdFont-Italic.ttf:0
  • Paths:
    • kitty: /usr/bin/kitty
    • base dir: /usr/lib64/kitty
    • extensions dir: /usr/lib64/kitty/kitty
    • system shell: /usr/bin/zsh
  • System color scheme: dark. Applied color theme type: none
  • Loaded config files:
    • /home/treeways/.config/kitty/kitty.conf

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot the issue, follow these steps:

  1. Check Ulauncher configuration: Ensure that the Ulauncher configuration set to use Kitty as the default terminal.
  2. Verify Distrobox installation: Confirm that Distrobox is installed and configured correctly.
  3. Check Kitty configuration: Verify that Kitty is configured correctly and that the kitty -e command is working as expected.
  4. Run the command manually: Run the command kitty -e /usr/bin/distrobox enter arch from Kitty or Konsole to see if it works.
  5. Check error messages: Check the error messages received when running the command from Ulauncher to see if they provide any clues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of Kitty not launching Distrobox instances from Ulauncher is a complex one that requires a thorough troubleshooting process. By following the steps outlined in this article, users should be able to identify and resolve the issue. If the issue persists, it may be worth seeking further assistance from the Ulauncher or Kitty communities.

Additional Resources

For further assistance, users can refer to the following resources:

Acknowledgments

Q: What is the issue with Kitty not launching Distrobox from Ulauncher?

A: The issue is that Kitty is not launching Distrobox instances from Ulauncher, despite the fact that the same command works when run from Kitty or Konsole. The error message received is "Failed to launch child: /usr/bin/distrobox enter arch With error: No such file or directory".

Q: What are the possible causes of this issue?

A: The possible causes of this issue include:

  • Ulauncher configuration issues
  • Kitty configuration issues
  • Distrobox installation issues
  • Command execution issues

Q: How can I troubleshoot this issue?

A: To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Check Ulauncher configuration to ensure that Kitty is set as the default terminal.
  2. Verify Distrobox installation and configuration.
  3. Check Kitty configuration to ensure that the kitty -e command is working as expected.
  4. Run the command manually from Kitty or Konsole to see if it works.
  5. Check error messages received when running the command from Ulauncher.

Q: What are the system requirements for Ulauncher and Kitty?

A: The system requirements for Ulauncher and Kitty are:

  • Ulauncher: Linux, Python 3.6 or later
  • Kitty: Linux, Python 3.6 or later

Q: How can I install Ulauncher and Kitty?

A: To install Ulauncher and Kitty, follow these steps:

  1. Install Ulauncher using pip: pip install ulauncher
  2. Install Kitty using pip: pip install kitty
  3. Configure Ulauncher to use Kitty as the default terminal.

Q: What are the benefits of using Ulauncher and Kitty?

A: The benefits of using Ulauncher and Kitty include:

  • Fast and efficient application launching
  • Customizable interface and configuration
  • Support for multiple Linux distributions

Q: How can I get help with Ulauncher and Kitty?

A: To get help with Ulauncher and Kitty, refer to the following resources:

Q: What are the known issues with Ulauncher and Kitty?

A: The known issues with Ulauncher and Kitty include:

  • Ulauncher: Issues with application launching, configuration, and error handling
  • Kitty: Issues with terminal emulation, configuration, and error handling

Q: How can I contribute to the development of Ulauncher and Kitty?

A: To contribute to the development of Ulauncher and Kitty, refer to the following resources:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of Kitty not launching Distrobox instances from Ulauncher is a complex one that requires a thorough troubleshooting. By following the steps outlined in this article, users should be able to identify and resolve the issue. If the issue persists, it may be worth seeking further assistance from the Ulauncher or Kitty communities.