M-Launcher

A Linux multi application launcher written in Rust that allows you to start groups of applications with a TUI (Terminal User Interface).

Description

Launcher is a tool that facilitates the startup of multiple applications organized into groups. Ideal for automating your work environment setup at system boot, allowing you to choose which set of applications to launch based on the task you're about to perform.

Features

• Intuitive TUI interface using Ratatui
• JSON-based configuration
• Multiple applications per group execution
• Support for simple and complex commands (with shell)
• Applications run independently (don't die when launcher closes)
• Keyboard navigation (vim-style and arrows)

Installation

Build from source

cargo build --release

Install system-wide

sudo install -Dm755 target/release/launcher /usr/local/bin/launcher

Configuration

The launcher searches for the configuration file in the following order:

1. ./launcher.json (current directory)
2. ~/.config/launcher/config.json
3. /etc/launcher/config.json

Configuration file structure

{
  "groups": [
    {
      "name": "Development",
      "apps": [
        {
          "name": "VSCode",
          "command": "code",
          "args": []
        },
        {
          "name": "Terminal",
          "command": "kitty",
          "args": []
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Docker Services",
      "apps": [
        {
          "name": "Start Docker Containers",
          "command": "sh",
          "args": ["-c", "docker start $(docker ps -aq)"],
          "use_shell": true
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Configuration options per application

• name: Descriptive name of the application
• command: Command to execute
• args: Array of arguments for the command (optional)
• use_shell: Boolean indicating whether to use sh -c to execute complex commands (optional)

Configuration example

Create the configuration directory:

mkdir -p ~/.config/launcher/

Create the configuration file:

nano ~/.config/launcher/config.json

Usage

Run the launcher:

launcher

Controls

• Up/Down arrows or k/j: Navigate between groups
• Enter: Select and execute group
• q or Esc: Exit without executing

Autostart

For systems with autostart support (KDE, GNOME, etc.)

Create a .desktop file in ~/.config/autostart/:

nano ~/.config/autostart/launcher.desktop

File content:

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Exec=kitty --class=launcher-term --title="Launcher" -e launcher
Name=Launcher
Comment=Auto start Launcher in Kitty
X-KDE-autostart-after=panel

Note: Adjust the Exec command according to your preferred terminal emulator.

Requirements

• Rust 1.70 or higher
• Linux/Unix operating system

Dependencies

• ratatui: TUI framework
• crossterm: Terminal handling
• serde: Serialization/deserialization
• serde_json: JSON handling

License

Open source personal project.