# Tech HUD Starter

Version: 1.0.0  
tech-hud-starter is a lightweight, custom-drawn GTK3 command runner and HUD utility written in Vala and rendered with Cairo. It provides a sleek, futuristic interface designed for quick command execution, automated command repetition, and deep desktop integration.

## Key Features

* Interactive Command Center: Type any shell command or system action and press Enter to execute it instantly. Supports command chaining with semicolons (;) and the clear command to reset the output buffer.
* Persistent Command History: Browse through previously executed commands using the Up and Down arrow keys. History is automatically saved to ~/.config/tech_hud/history.txt.
* Automated Repeat Timer & Live Countdown: Set a command to re-run automatically at custom intervals (1 to 3600 seconds) with a real-time visual countdown indicator.
* 20 Built-in Color Themes: Easily switch between high-tech palettes including Cyber Cyan, Matrix Emerald, Amber Terminal, Crimson Alert, Deep Space Violet, Electric Indigo, Solar Gold, and more via the Options menu.
* 9 Unique Border Styles: Customize the window frame aesthetics, ranging from classic HUD boxes and top-notch headers to slanted vents, armored hexagons, and tall dual gills.
* Advanced Window Management:
  * Layers & Hints: Configure window behavior as Normal, Utility, or Dock, and set window stacking layers to Keep Above or Keep Below (Wallpaper mode).
  * Position & Size Persistence: Automatically saves window coordinates, width, and height.
  * Adjustable Opacity & UI Scaling: Fine-tune window transparency and scale the interface dynamically from 0.5x to 2.5x.

## Requirements

To compile and run tech-hud-starter, ensure you have the following packages installed:
* Vala compiler (valac)
* GTK+ 3 development libraries (libgtk-3-dev)
* Cairo and Pango development packages

On Debian/Ubuntu/Linux Mint, you can install them via:
sudo apt install valac libgtk-3-dev libglib2.0-dev libcairo2-dev libpango1.0-dev

## Build & Installation

Clone or open the project directory and compile using make:

make

Alternatively, you can compile manually with:

valac --pkg gtk+-3.0 --pkg cairo --pkg pangocairo --pkg gio-2.0 src/tech-hud-starter.vala -o tech-hud-starter

## Configuration

The application stores its configuration and history files locally:
* Config File: ~/.config/tech_hud/config.conf
* History File: ~/.config/tech_hud/history.txt

## Keyboard Shortcuts
* Enter: Execute typed command.
* Up / Down Arrows: Navigate command history.
* Escape: Quit application.