xfce4-terminal output stalls when unfocused for a while

jt1122 · 2026-09-19 11:41:28

Hi,

I'm running a process which takes a long time to complete and sends text to standard output.

When I switch to another desktop (so the terminal is unfocused) after a while the output from the process halts although it's still running, i.e. nothing is sent to standard output. When I switch back to the process window it resumes output.

When I run the exact same process via xterm there is no such issue.

Is this some buffering issue or a bug in xfce4-terminal ?.
Any solutions?.

Thanks

Last edited by jt1122 (2026-09-19 12:39:25)

ToZ · 2026-09-21 01:46:43

Does your script generate alot of output?

Does the same happen when you unfocus or when you minimize the window?
Does the same happen with another vte terminal like gnome-terminal?

vte has an internal buffer, maybe its filling up pending display in a visible window?

jt1122 · 2026-09-21 11:24:53

ToZ wrote:

Does your script generate alot of output?
Does the same happen when you unfocus or when you minimize the window?
Does the same happen with another vte terminal like gnome-terminal?
vte has an internal buffer, maybe its filling up pending display in a visible window?

Thanks for replying.
The output being generated is >2k lines.

As I mentioned, I haven't had such this issue when running the process from xterm. I'm guessing it's some sort of an internal buffer issue in xfce4-terminal because the moment it gains focus standard output (and file redirection) resumes.

ToZ · 2026-09-21 19:19:01

Do you have the same problem with gnome-terminal? It also uses vte.

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#1 2026-09-19 11:41:28

xfce4-terminal output stalls when unfocused for a while

#2 2026-09-21 01:46:43

Re: xfce4-terminal output stalls when unfocused for a while

#3 2026-09-21 11:24:53

Re: xfce4-terminal output stalls when unfocused for a while

#4 2026-09-21 19:19:01

Re: xfce4-terminal output stalls when unfocused for a while

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