Add Deskflow dotfiles role for Arch and macOS

[TechDufus]

Goal

Add one scoped deskflow role so dotfiles can install Deskflow on Arch/CachyOS and macOS, with optional external server-layout config.

Findings

• Deskflow fits dotfiles as a package-manager/bootstrap role.
• Arch has an official deskflow package in extra.
• macOS uses the upstream Deskflow Homebrew tap: deskflow/tap.
• Treat this like kitty/ghostty: install app + manage stable user config only.
• Do not source-build by default.
• Do not make autostart/service plumbing part of the base role.

Proposed role shape

roles/deskflow/
  tasks/main.yml
  tasks/Archlinux.yml
  tasks/MacOSX.yml
  templates/deskflow-server.conf.j2

Implementation notes

Arch/CachyOS

Install via pacman:

community.general.pacman:
  name: deskflow
  state: present

macOS

Add upstream tap, then install the stable cask:

community.general.homebrew_tap:
  name: deskflow/tap
  state: present

community.general.homebrew_cask:
  name: deskflow
  state: present

Equivalent manual command: brew tap deskflow/tap && brew install --cask deskflow.

Use deskflow-dev only as an explicit opt-in for continuous builds.

Config boundaries

Do not version/control the full Deskflow.conf or .state file. They contain app/session state and will churn.

Leave unmanaged:

• lastVersion
• shown*
• xdpRestoreToken
• windowGeometry / .state
• peer/pairing/fingerprint state
• other GUI-generated session state

If layout is managed, render only the separate plain-text server config from vars:

templates/deskflow-server.conf.j2 -> managed deskflow-server.conf

Then set only the external-config pointers needed to use it:

[server]
externalConfig=true
externalConfigFile=<managed path>/deskflow-server.conf

Relevant names/paths:

• GUI app: Deskflow
• GUI/CLI binary: deskflow
• core process: deskflow-core
• Linux settings path: ~/.config/Deskflow/Deskflow.conf
• macOS settings path: ~/Library/Deskflow/Deskflow.conf
• settings override flag: deskflow -s/--settings <path>

Manual first-run requirements

Dotfiles should document, not automate, these steps:

• macOS Accessibility permission for Deskflow / deskflow.
• macOS Local Network permission on newer macOS if prompted.
• KDE/Wayland portal/input-capture grants if prompted.
• Peer fingerprint confirmation / pairing.
• Firewall/LAN reachability for port 24800.

Acceptance criteria

• dotfiles -t deskflow installs Deskflow on Arch/CachyOS via pacman.
• dotfiles -t deskflow adds deskflow/tap and installs the stable deskflow cask on macOS.
• Role renders deskflow-server.conf.j2 to a managed external server config when layout vars are configured.
• Role sets only server/externalConfig=true and server/externalConfigFile=<managed server config path> when enabling managed layout.
• Role explicitly leaves broad Deskflow.conf and .state files unmanaged.
• Role notes document first-run permissions, pairing/fingerprint confirmation, and port 24800 reachability.