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pythonlinuxxserver

How to get accurate window information (dimensions, etc.) in Linux (X)?

How can I get accurate window information in Linux? I know that I can use wmctrl to get a window's size, but the actual size of the window can vary due to window decorations. I need the following information and methods:

  • precise window dimensions
  • precise available screen space (excluding panels like gnome-panel)
  • the ability to set a window to be a certain size, including decorations

What would be the best way to do this? I am interested in working with Python so something with a python module would be preferred.

Thanks in advance!

Solution

  • The best way is to use X11/xlib directly (Documentation: http://tronche.com/gui/x/xlib/ )

    Beginning from the Root you can walk through a tree via XQueryTree() and get the window Attributes via XGetWindowAttributes () / XGetGeometry ().

    Ok, this is a C-Library, but there is also a Python Port: http://python-xlib.sourceforge.net/?page=documentation