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Launcher

Simple app-launching utility.

Launcher

Launcher is a self‑contained, ultra‑lightweight app launcher inspired by Rainmeter gadgets—only faster, non‑intrusive, and ready to integrate right into your PATH. Think of it as an extended, pocket‑sized taskbar for power users who want to open executables, folders, and URLs with a single command or click.

GUI

GUI

CLI

CLI

Key Features

  • Rapid Launching • Open any .exe with arguments • Jump straight to file or folder locations • Fire up websites in your default browser

  • Flexible Configuration • Human‑friendly YAML file (Configurations.yaml) • Supports verbatim commands (! prefix) and output monitoring (!?)

  • Cross‑Platform Core • Pure .NET solution—no Windows‑only APIs (aside from using explorer.exe to open folders)

  • Rich CLI

    lc --list              # List all shortcuts  
lc <Name> [<Args>…]    # Launch a shortcut by name  
lc --search <keywords> # Fuzzy‑match names or paths  
lc --print <Name>      # Show the underlying path (great for scripting)  
lc --edit              # Open config in your default editor  
lc --open <Name>       # Open with default program/browser

  • Big White Dot GUI • Semi‑transparent, always‑on‑top dot for one‑click access • Tray‑icon context menu with Recent, Favorites, Common Folders • Double‑tap to edit configuration on the fly

Installation & Setup

  1. Download the latest release from Itch.io: methodox.itch.io/launcher

  2. Add to PATH (optional but recommended) for instant access via lc or launcher.

  3. Configure your editor for .yaml files!

    • On Windows, ensure your default program for .yaml isn’t a script wrapper (e.g. VS Code’s bin folder).
    • Point it to the actual executable directory (e.g. %UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code).
    • Otherwise, editing your config will trigger “Application Not Found.”

When launching GUI, it's also available in Task Tray on Windows:

Task Tray

Configuration

Your shortcuts live in a plain‑text YAML at:

%APPDATA%\Launcher\Configurations.yaml

# Format: Name: Path
# Use '!' prefix for verbatim commands
# Use '!?'' to capture process output

# Examples
Editor: "C:\Program Files\MyEditor\editor.exe"
Docs: "C:\Users\You\Documents"
Search: "https://google.com/search?q="
Build: !? dotnet build MySolution.sln

Roadmap

  • Support in‑line comments in config
  • In‑place argument placeholders (e.g. Build {project})
  • TUI‑style interactive mode (lc --interactive / -i)
  • Comprehensive unit tests for config parsing

Changelog Highlights

  • v0.1.0 – Initial functional release
  • v0.1.3 – Added --open for default‑program launching
  • v0.1.7 – Big White Dot GUI & core refactor

For full history, see the GitHub changelog.

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