Is it possible to run commands from spotlight?

I run commands in terminal a lot and i'm wondering if it is possible to run the commands from spotlight. For example in spotlight would like to run the command(because i have a lot of network issues):

ping google.com

And then spotlight to load terminal and execute the command instead of having to load terminal because it takes so long to load. So is this possible?

Solution 1:

Just a heads up that Alfred app now has both global hotkeys which allows you to launch apps/commands/applescripts with a key combo, as well as Terminal/Shell integration, which lets you run any Terminal command without launching Terminal.

For example, create a script to auto-shorten a URL using goo.gl then copying it to clipboard (here's how you can do that). Or launch any terminal command (e.g. ping yahoo.com) to pop up a Terminal window.

It's part of the Powerpack and is in pre-release right now, going to general availability next week :)

Vero (community gal for @alfredapp)

Solution 2:

Not directly but write the commands you want in a shell script and save the script with a .command extension and chmod it so it is executable. This is clickable from Finder and so should work from spotlight

Solution 3:

It's not possible through Spotlight itself.

But it's possible through free applications that can also search files and launch programs, like Spotlight.

You have the almighty Quicksilver, that can also make coffee and walk the dog.

And the new player Alfred, which is quite impressive as well.