Create executable bash script that accepts drag & drop

Question

I compiled mplayer from source on Ubuntu. I didn't want to use a GUI but I wanted to make a executable bash file that gets the path from an file that gets dropped onto the bash file. How do I make such a thing possible? I wanted to make it look something like this: `mplayer <get full path to file`.`file-ending>` I want the executable bash file to sit on my desktop ;) If possible, I'd just like an `rightclick -> start with mplayer` function, but I don't know how to make one.

Accepted Answer

You can access arguments passed to the script with `$1` (for the first argument). And also you should make a `.desktop` file so Nautilus (or your desktop manager) know what to do and use `%u` to pass the dropped path to the script.

For example you can create a file named `DropOverMe.desktop`:

```
[Desktop Entry]
Encoding=UTF-8
Name=Drop Over Me
Comment=Execute the script with the file dropped
Exec=gnome-terminal -e "/folder/to/the/script/launchme.sh \"%u\""
Icon=utilities-terminal
Type=Application
```

I use `gnome-terminal` as I have Ubuntu on my PC, use your preferred terminal application.

And the script could be something like:

```
#! /bin/bash

echo "Launched with $1" >> /tmp/history.log
```

Create executable bash script that accepts drag & drop

Solution

Problem