Open files in an existing window instead of new

[Kostov]

OS: Linux Mint 21.3
Python version: 3

I’m transcribing .mp3 audio files. To make the job easier, I’ve bound the following script in AutoKey to a hotkey.

It allows for opening whatever text is highlighted as a file in the VLC media player:

import subprocess

audiofile = clipboard.get_selection()
subprocess.run(
    [
        "vlc",
        "/mnt/SSD/Audio/{}.mp3".format(audiofile),
    ],
)

The script runs fine. However, every command to run VLC opens a new window, cluttering the system.

How can I open a file in an existing VLC instance whenever the script runs? subprocess.run doesn’t seem to be right for this.

[Gribouillis]

How can I open a file in an existing VLC instance whenever the script runs? subprocess.run doesn’t seem to be right for this.

I don't think the problem is with subprocess.run. I t is rather a problem with the vlc command. You could perhaps try the --one-instance option

import subprocess
 
audiofile = clipboard.get_selection()
subprocess.run(
    [
        "vlc",
        "--one-instance",
        "/mnt/SSD/Audio/{}.mp3".format(audiofile),
    ],
)

[Kostov]

Thank you, Gribouillis!