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Disable Python history for future interactive commands

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Linux.

These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language 1. Most Python implementations (including CPython) include a read-eval-print loop (REPL), permitting them to function as a command-line interpreter for which users enter statements sequentially and receive results immediately 1.

Python saves interactive commands in the ~/.python_history file 2 3. This script ensures that this file is immutable by changing the file attributes 4, so Python can no longer update the file.

This script uses Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Implementation Details

  • Language: bash

  • Required Privileges: Root/sudo access

  • Compatibility: Linux only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Configure programs category. These scripts configure third-party applications installed on Linux distributions to harden their security and privacy to protect your data. They scripts differ from OS level configurations as they configure applications that are not typically native to Linux distributions, i.e., not included in... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable Python history for future interactive commands.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Terminal

  2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes
history_file="$HOME/.python_history"
if [ ! -f "$history_file" ]; then
  touch "$history_file"
  echo "Created $history_file."
fi
sudo chattr +i "$(realpath $history_file)" # realpath in case of symlink
  1. Paste the code into terminal.
  2. Press Enter to apply the code.

Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
history_file="$HOME/.python_history"
if [ ! -f "$history_file" ]; then
  echo "Skipping, $history_file does not exist."
else
  sudo chattr -i "$(realpath $history_file)" # realpath in case of symlink
fi

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