Can't use the config variable when running the script using i3-msg -q exec myscript

[shivankgarg98]

I have created an easy-to-take screenshot script (https://github.com/shivankgarg98/i3blocks-contrib/tree/master/screenshot) which saves the screenshot in clipboard and also pop a notifcation using dunst to allow user to save in a file (when clicked on notification).
As noted in #354, there will be a problem until current instance of dunstify (notification) is closed. To overcome this, I'm using command=i3-msg -q exec myscript. It solve my problem but it's not reading the variable set in config (like IS_SAVE=true or SAVE_DIR=).
Is this expected? how to overcome this.

[gportay]

I am no expert, but I do think i3-msg spawns a new process from a different process.

As a consequence, the environment is different and you have no access to the variables specified my i3blocks and your config. I guess your process is spawned by i3 thanks to i3-msg, but not spawned by i3blocks.

If this is true, you should update your script to pass arguments via the command line i3-msg exec "/path/to/script arg1 arg2...".

Or maybe, a simpler solution i3-msg exec "VAR1=$VAR1 VAR2=$VAR2 /path/to/script" if this works.

However, this is a workaround to solve your issue. But I think the clean solution is certainly elsewhere.

[shivankgarg98]

It makes sense I think.
The workaround solved the issue. I'm able to set the desired variable and even the $BLOCK_BUTTON input from mouse.
Not elegant but works
Thanks :)

[gportay]

Could you post here the solution that has solved your issue described above; to satisfy my curiosity and for the users that would read this later.

Also, you may close the issue, unless you have something else to add or ask

[shivankgarg98]

[screenshot]
command=i3-msg -q exec -- SAVE_DIR="/path/to/dir/screenshots" IS_SAVE="true" BLOCK_BUTTON="$BLOCK_BUTTON" /path/to/script/screenshot/screenshot

for more details and usecase, please refer to:
https://github.com/shivankgarg98/i3blocks-contrib/blob/master/screenshot/README.md