¶ 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
CLI
¶ Key Features
-
Rapid Launching
• Open any.exewith 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 usingexplorer.exeto 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
-
Download the latest release from Itch.io:
methodox.itch.io/launcher -
Add to PATH (optional but recommended) for instant access via
lcorlauncher. -
Configure your editor for
.yamlfiles!- On Windows, ensure your default program for
.yamlisn’t a script wrapper (e.g. VS Code’sbinfolder). - 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.”
- On Windows, ensure your default program for
When launching GUI, it's also available in Task Tray on Windows:
¶ 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
--openfor default‑program launching - v0.1.7 – Big White Dot GUI & core refactor
For full history, see the GitHub changelog.
¶ Useful Links
- Official Website: https://methodoxtech.github.io/Launcher/
- GitHub Repository: github.com/MethodoxTech/Launcher
- Itch.io Download: methodox.itch.io/launcher