GTK Directory Tree Viewer (pystruct)

pystruct is a Python-based GTK3 application that allows you to visually browse and generate ASCII-style directory trees. Designed for system administrators, developers, and anyone who wants a clear textual representation of a file hierarchy.

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Features

• Browse and select directories using a GTK3 file chooser.
• Generate ASCII directory trees with configurable depth.
• Option to show or hide hidden files.
• Switch between dark (hacker-green) and light themes.
• Copy the generated tree to the clipboard.
• Status bar with live updates and error reporting.
• Scrollable, monospace-text view for easy viewing of large directory structures.

Main widget with options

Main widget showing permisions

Main widget Ignore Rules

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Requirements

• Python 3.6+
• PyGObject (GTK3)
• System GTK3 libraries

Installing Dependencies

Use a virtual environment and install PyGObject:

# Activate your virtual environment first
pip install PyGObject

# System packages (example for Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo apt-get install gir1.2-gtk-3.0

# Fedora
sudo dnf install gtk3

# Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S gtk3

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Running the Application

# Make sure you are in a virtual environment
python gtk_directory_tree.py

• If the script detects that it is not running inside a virtual environment, it will warn you and prompt for confirmation before continuing.

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Usage

1. Select a directory: Use the text entry or click Browse.
2. Set options:
   • Toggle Show Hidden Files.
   • Adjust Max Depth to limit tree expansion.
3. Generate tree: Click Generate Tree.
4. Copy tree: Click Copy to Clipboard to copy ASCII tree text.
5. Switch theme: Click Switch to Light/Dark Theme.

The status bar will provide feedback, including errors and success messages.

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Key Implementation Details

• Uses Gtk.TextView with monospace font for displaying directory trees.
• CSS-based theming allows a dark hacker-green theme and a light theme.
• Recursive tree generation stops at max_depth to prevent overly deep traversal.
• Handles permission errors gracefully by displaying [Permission Denied].
• Clipboard integration allows quick copying of the generated tree.

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Project Structure

gtk_directory_tree.py   # Main application script

• All logic is contained in a single Python file for portability.
• No external configuration files are required.

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Notes

• Tested on Linux systems with GTK3 support.
• Virtual environment recommended for dependency isolation.
• The app is designed for local file browsing; no network file access is implemented.
• Exception handling included for permission issues, missing directories, and clipboard failures.

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License

MIT License — free to use, modify, and distribute.

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Contact / Support

For issues or suggestions, please open an issue in the repository or contact the maintainer directly.

About the Dev

OCRCAP was created by BigSlimThic, a hopelessly broke digital low-life who somehow grew up somewhere between Philadelphia and probably South East Asia, surviving on instant noodles and bad Wi-Fi. Rumor has it he has a smoking hot girlfriend, unless she left him for a guy with a real job. Against all odds, he somehow managed to survive the apocalypse of homelessness, poverty, and questionable life choices to create this AI.

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