Re: No sourcing of ~/.profile at login

["Daniel B." <dsb@smart.net>]

"Michael C." wrote:
> 
> In linux.debian.user, Daniel B. <dsb@smart.net> wrote:
> >  Paul Smith wrote:
> > >
> > > .. If you're using a graphical login manager like GDM or
> > > XDM, then these methods of login never actually invoke a login shell,
> >
> >  Why not?  (Why shouldn't logging in via GDM execute your login-time
> >  shell initialization?)
> >
> Because [GKX]DM open window managers, not login shells. 

Yeah, but before that it logs you in.  

When it logs you in, it should perform normal login actions (e.g.,
initializing the environment per /etc/environment, etc.). 

Since part of "normal login actions" is to start your preferred shell
in "login shell" mode, logging in via GDM should cause that to happen.

> Though I admit
> it doesn't feel right that your environment is different if you use
> [gkx]dm than if you login in text mode and issue startx.

Exactly,


> You can modify the [gkx]dmrc, your window manager's rc file, or you
> start your programs from an xterm.

Shouldn't starting your shell in login mode be in the default setup
for gdm/etc.?





Daniel
-- 
Daniel Barclay
dsb@smart.net