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

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.