X11: how to run an application after login?

Question

Basically, I need run a graphical program after the user logins.

I tried adding a "test line" to ~/.xinitrc or to ~/xprofile but nothing happens:

exec /usr/bin/gedit &

I need to run my app in the "most used" desktop managers, that is why I'm trying to use X11.

What can I do?

Answer 1

If you are using "desktop managers", then they may overlook .xinitrc, using .xsession instead. The .xinitrc file is used mainly by startx, while xdm uses .xsession.

A quick check of gdm and kdm shows that they accomplish the same thing using differently-named files. So "most used" may be difficult to achieve.

Here are a few related questions:

• xinitrc doesn't work, .xsessionrc does! (was ... Re: startx vs. xdm)
• What is “.xsession” for?
• .xsession and .xinitrc not executed at login