[xmonad] Message passing between instances

[Chris Bell]

Hi all,

I'm currently using multiple boxes in a convoluted extended desktop setup
using Synergy. I have a script which, when I start X on the main box,
connects via SSH to the secondary boxes and starts X and Xmonad. Then
Synergy takes over and I can control all of the desktops from a single
kbd/mouse. Overall, it seems to be working surprisingly well.

I'm having trouble automating event/action synchronization post-startup.
Specifically, I want to quit the Xmonad sessions on the secondary boxes
when the primary quits. I have this currently implemented by killing the X
server over ssh; an action about as graceful as throwing a brick through a
window.

Is there a builtin way to pass messages between Xmonad instances? So that,
when I exit on the primary, it sends an 'exit' command to the secondaries,
which then clean up and close. Preferably, I would like to extend this to
synchronize xscreensaver activation, but that's not a major concern.

If there isn't a builtin method, can anyone recommend a third-party
application/feature which I can use to implement such functionality? I keep
persistent SSH connections between the primary and all secondaries, so
commands can be passed as necessary.

All three boxes are running Xmonad 0.11 on bare metal - no desktop/session
manager. Synergy setup and X initializations are done via a custom startx
script.

Thanks for all your help!

Chris Bell

Ph.D. Candidate, Teaching Assistant, Gentleman, Scholar, Penguin Wrangler
University of South Florida
College of Engineering
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
NarMOS Research Team, Official Daemon Charmer
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