How to set emacs to open new files in current instance on Ubuntu/Mint?

Question

I want to keep emacs open most of the time, and then whenever I open a text file, python file, etc (from nautilus/finder), I want it to open as a new buffer in my current emacs instance, rather than starting a new instance.

I tried following this guide:

I wasn't really sure about what to do with the file, but what I tried was copying it to /usr/bin/emacs_openfile, adding #!/bin/sh to the first line, and running chmod +x emacs_openfile

However, it doesn't work for me and just opens a new instance, even though I was able to associate text files with this program.

On a sidenote, I set emacs as the default editor using this.

Answer 1

You want emacs client.

Basically, set emacsclient as your default editor, and add (server-start) somewere in your emacs config.

There needs to be a running Emacs instance for emacsclient to work, but if it's a hassle it's possible to have a headless Emacs launched at login.