Windows 7 Application Launcher (7APL)

August 14, 2009

What is 7APL?

7APL is an application launcher made with Windows 7 in mind. You can launch single applications or group of applications with a single hot key or by using the newest features of Microsoft's latest OS -- JumpLists and interactive thumbnails which are well-integrated into the application. This gives you 4 easy ways to launch applications:

Right click access to profiles through JumpLists (whether the app is opened or closed)
Customizable hot keys for each individual profile
Interactive thumbnail to view/launch profiles (hover over 7APL icon in taskbar)
Access profiles through the Desktop Gadget and bring the gadget up at will

Feature List

Profiles - Group applications into profiles to launch them simultaneously.
Profile pictures - Associate pictures with profiles to easily identify between them.
Categories - Categories allow you to group apps into a single profile and launch them individually through Jump Lists
Gadget Mode ? The new gadget mode allows you to launch profiles from your desktop and bring up the gadget at will. - Specify hotkeys on a per-profile basis to launch your applications - Launch profiles directly from the taskbar - Launch profiles or tasks directly using jumplists - Toggle mode allows you to close the apps you launched (on a per-profile basis) - Pesky applications that won't close can be added as an exception - The application pins just fine for those who want it constantly running - Run 7APL at system boot, minimize on startup, and minimize on close ensures you can keep the launcher running at all times if desired

Video demonstration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFZcuwfZZ9U.swf

Where can I download it?

The latest build i09242009-2316b> (last updated 9/24/09): Download 7APL with documentation (6.25MB) | Download 7APL (524KB)

How can I contribute?

The best way you can contribute is by first downloading and testing out 7APL. If you encounter any bugs or have feature requests, reply back to this thread, send me a PM, or contact me at my website. If you actually want to help with the development, let me know.

Will you release the source code?

Once 7APL is feature-complete and I've optimized the code I'll release the source code via my website and post a link for anyone that's interested.

Version Changelog (Updated 9/24/2009 @ 8:51 PST)

[quotBuild 09242009-0825b> -

BUG FIX: Semi-critical bug fixed. Aliases were not being properly detected with shortcuts.Build 09242009-0825b> -

ADDED: Gadget will appear in last saved location (multiple monitor support included).

ADDED: Navigate profiles with gadget using left and right arrow keys (when focused) and use enter (return) key to launch the profile.

BUG FIX: Fixed bug where using arrow keys with gadget would cause non-profile tabs to appear.Build 09232009-1252b> -

NEW: Aero glass support and integration.

NEW: Introduction of "Gadget Mode". Gadget mode allows you to run the app on the desktop, above all windows, or even remain hidden until a hot key is pressed (4 behaviors in all).

BUG FIX: Fixed an issue with aliases being defined incorrectly.Build 09202009-1533b> -

NEW: Support for launch arguments (eg. "C:\app_path\app.exe" /silent)

NEW: Drag & drop support included. Drag shortcuts and apps into the list box for quick/easy profile creation. Dragging pictures over the profile picture works as well.

NEW: Increased maximum JumpList tasks to 14.

NEW: Introduction of Profile "Categories". Categories enable you to organize and launch individual apps with JumpLists. These categories are listed as a task with a red arrow next to them. Clicking them will update the JumpList and list each individual app of that profile (which you can launch).

***snipped***

Screenshots:Main interfaceb>

Application settingsb>

Jump List supportb>

Interactive thumbnailsb>

The new Gadget modeb>

Edited September 25, 2009 by Se7enVII

August 14, 2009

I think it's a pretty good idea, and I'd really like to help you test it.

August 14, 2009

I think it's a pretty good idea, and I'd really like to help you test it.

PM sent :)

August 15, 2009

To get some additional testers I've updated the OP with a download link for testing. For anyone already testing this app before I publicly listed the download, you should get the latest build as it contains bug fixes and optimizations. Let me know what you guys think.

August 15, 2009

That's a Cool! App. I was looking for something like that for Windows 7 few days back. I'd like to help you test. :)

August 15, 2009

Yeah I'll test that for you if you're up for it :)

I've got a lot of experiance in testing beta releases and can file bug reports should it be required.

I asume you wont be making this open source?

/edit: I see the download link, thanks chief

August 15, 2009

Yeah I'll test that for you if you're up for it :)
I've got a lot of experiance in testing beta releases and can file bug reports should it be required.

I asume you wont be making this open source?

/edit: I see the download link, thanks chief

Once the app is out of beta and is feature-complete I'll open source it and put it on my website for anyone interested. Also I haven't spend much time yet organizing/optimizing the code yet as I just wanted to produce a working product. The code at the moment is pretty messy (close to 30 pages worth) so that will take some time as well.

August 16, 2009

I guess it's just me but I don't get the point of application launchers. How often and how many times do you need to open up a program that isn't already on the taskbar/startmenu or desktop. And how many do you really need to open up at the same time?

I wish I could get into them, they seem cool, but useless.

August 16, 2009

I guess it's just me but I don't get the point of application launchers. How often and how many times do you need to open up a program that isn't already on the taskbar/startmenu or desktop. And how many do you really need to open up at the same time?
I wish I could get into them, they seem cool, but useless.

Well in my case I have some overclocking tools and certain apps I run specifically when I'm gaming but it's extra work to open each and every one of them, but at the same time I don't want to pin them to the superbar as they'd use up way too much space. In addition, this app lets you set hot keys to launch apps as well as close them (great for people who prefer keyboard over mouse).

But I started this project mainly because I wanted to get involved with learning the new Windows 7 APIs and an application launcher was the first thing that came to mind that could utilize these features well. I do realize app launchers aren't for everyone though.

August 16, 2009

Thanks for the reply. Yea I was not putting down your program, just not really for me. I might try it later on though, who knows maybe I will like it.

August 16, 2009

For anyone testing please update to the latest build (just released). It contains a few bug fixes. If you've created any profiles using the previous bulid you can keep them -- all that needs to be replaced is the APLauncher.exe file (or you can safely overwrite any files and your profiles should still work fine).

August 16, 2009

Sure, I'll give this a try.

Edit: After I gave this a try. I like the idea behind it.

Here are some bugs I ran into:

1. if you completely close this. (Using File > Exit), and then re-open it, it is automatically minimized.

2. I ran into this error, after I right clicked the icon and clicked on "close window", the application does not close, and when I restored it manually, that error popped up:

See the end of this message for details on invoking 
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.ArgumentException: Parameter is not valid.
   at System.Drawing.Image.FromStream(Stream stream, Boolean useEmbeddedColorManagement, Boolean validateImageData)
   at System.Drawing.Image.FromStream(Stream stream)
   at System.Windows.Forms.PictureBox.Load()
   at W7APL.frmMain.frmMain_Resize(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnSizeChanged(EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.UpdateBounds(Int32 x, Int32 y, Int32 width, Int32 height, Int32 clientWidth, Int32 clientHeight)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.UpdateBounds()
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message&amp; m)
   at W7APL.frmMain.WndProc(Message&amp; m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message&amp; m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)


************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework64/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
7APL
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0908.14
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/Windows%207%20Application%20Launcher/7APLauncher.exe
----------------------------------------
System
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.WindowsAPICodePack.Shell
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/Windows%207%20Application%20Launcher/Microsoft.WindowsAPICodePack.Shell.DLL
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.WindowsAPICodePack
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/Windows%207%20Application%20Launcher/Microsoft.WindowsAPICodePack.DLL
----------------------------------------
WindowsBase
	Assembly Version: 3.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 3.0.6920.4902 built by: NetFXw7
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/WindowsBase/3.0.0.0__31bf3856ad364e35/WindowsBase.dll
----------------------------------------
PresentationCore
	Assembly Version: 3.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 3.0.6920.4902 built by: NetFXw7
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_64/PresentationCore/3.0.0.0__31bf3856ad364e35/PresentationCore.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Core
	Assembly Version: 3.5.0.0
	Win32 Version: 3.5.30729.4926 built by: NetFXw7
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Core/3.5.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Core.dll
----------------------------------------
PresentationFramework
	Assembly Version: 3.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 3.0.6920.4902 built by: NetFXw7
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/PresentationFramework/3.0.0.0__31bf3856ad364e35/PresentationFramework.dll
----------------------------------------

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

&lt;configuration&gt;
	&lt;system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" /&gt;
&lt;/configuration&gt;

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.

3. I pinned the launcher to the taskbar, and after it is closed, I right clicked the icon. it shows up the launcher menu, but nothing happens when I clicked on it. This is also true to "create new profile" as well.

Here's some suggestion:

1. I'd like to see this in the system tray, rather than sitting in the task bar.

2. When you select applications to launch, you should see if the program can obtain the icons used by the application. I added thunderbird to the launcher, and wanted to add the icon to the profile. Even when I used the thunderbird application, it didn't grab the icon from it.

3. This would make a great pinned application to the superbar. I'd like ot be able to launch application just by right clicking on it, and clicking on the profile.

Edited August 16, 2009 by Gio Takahashi

August 16, 2009

1. if you completely close this. (Using File > Exit), and then re-open it, it is automatically minimized.

The first time you run the application 2 options (located under the welcome tab) will be checked: a) Minimize on Close and b) Start minimized

2. I ran into this error, after I right clicked the icon and clicked on "close window", the application does not close, and when I restored it manually, that error popped up:

Are you referring to the thumbnail icon? I'll look into this problem and see if I can squash this bug you've encountered.

3. I pinned the launcher to the taskbar, and after it is closed, I right clicked the icon. it shows up the launcher menu, but nothing happens when I clicked on it. This is also true to "create new profile" as well.

The default behavior of the application it'd start minimized and minimize on close. If someone decides they like the application and wants to use it for the long-term they'd click the setting on the welcome tab that starts the application when you log into Windows (meant to be running at all times kinda deal). I'll look into getting the JumpList functionality working when the app is closed though .

1. I'd like to see this in the system tray, rather than sitting in the task bar.
2. When you select applications to launch, you should see if the program can obtain the icons used by the application. I added thunderbird to the launcher, and wanted to add the icon to the profile. Even when I used the thunderbird application, it didn't grab the icon from it.

3. This would make a great pinned application to the superbar. I'd like ot be able to launch application just by right clicking on it, and clicking on the profile.

1. That is a possibility. Though I thought if I remember correctly, MS wanted less and less programs to use the system tray for things (think I read somewhere that MS thinks the system tray is overly abused) and considers it a bad practice.

2. I'll see about adding an option to pick a profile picture automatically once you add your first application to the list (and see if I can add an option to choose an EXE as a picture and extract the icon from it if possible).

3. Like I said earlier, at least currently, it is meant to be run at all times to use it's functionality (including jumplists). And as I mentioned, I'll see about getting the jumplists working even if the application isn't running.

Thanks for your feedback.

August 16, 2009

Where can I get the new version?

I would prefer it in the tray also, it looks a bit...meh in the Superbar TBH.

August 16, 2009

Where can I get the new version?
I would prefer it in the tray also, it looks a bit...meh in the Superbar TBH.

The OP download link will be constantly updated with the latest build and whenever a new build is released I'll update the changelog as well. Also if I recall, the version I PMed you before making 7APL available to everyone does the profiles a bit differently (expects slightly different data). If you download the new build you'll have to delete/recreate your profiles (otherwise it'll cause some problems).

Anyway, I'll keep the system tray idea in consideration. Though if I may ask, is it because the icon that you don't like it in the superbar? I can always come up with something better (didn't spend much time on it).

August 16, 2009

The OP download link will be constantly updated with the latest build and whenever a new build is released I'll update the changelog as well. Also if I recall, the version I PMed you before making 7APL available to everyone does the profiles a bit differently (expects slightly different data). If you download the new build you'll have to delete/recreate your profiles (otherwise it'll cause some problems).
Anyway, I'll keep the system tray idea in consideration. Though if I may ask, is it because the icon that you don't like it in the superbar? I can always come up with something better (didn't spend much time on it).

No, the icon's fine, it's just that it's there. It's just there. There. In the superbar, when it doesn't need to be.

August 18, 2009

A new build is now available. It contains several bug fixes and a couple new features. They are again listed under the changelog. Let me know what you guys think.

August 28, 2009

I would like to be able to launch batch files and vbs scripts to automate some tasks. Also, exe files with parameters would be very welcomed.

Please PM me when these features have been added, I have no use for the software without these features. Props on the nice design though!

August 30, 2009

I would like to be able to launch batch files and vbs scripts to automate some tasks. Also, exe files with parameters would be very welcomed.
Please PM me when these features have been added, I have no use for the software without these features. Props on the nice design though!

I was already thinking about adding such features. I'll try and implement them in the next build. After that I think I'll need some feedback on some possible new app modes (eg. desktop widget, run in task tray). Thanks for the feedback.

September 4, 2009

Uploaded a YouTube video in case people want a preview of how it works before downloading/testing it (not the best quality or anything, it's my first vid using Camtasia Studio and didn't want to spend much time on it). I'm still hoping to get a little more feedback before any additional changes.

Also, if anyone is interested in helping with the actual code, PM me with some method of contact (AIM/Steam/MSN) and I'll get in touch. I'd be more than happy to work with others in improving this software.

September 17, 2009

Just a quick update: File arguments/parameters has now been implemented along with several other changes. A couple screenshots showing some of the features can be seen here. I should have an update out within a week or so.

September 21, 2009

Also, if anyone is interested in helping with the actual code, PM me with some method of contact (AIM/Steam/MSN) and I'll get in touch. I'd be more than happy to work with others in improving this software.

I do .NET, what is this written in?

September 21, 2009

I do .NET, what is this written in?

Its written in C#. The code itself has actually gotten to around 2500 lines of code. It uses around 14MB of ram. It seems that C# windows forms by themselves eat up like 7MB, so the resource (memory) usage is pretty low in comparison. It has quite a bit of functionality now but I could do a bit of re-organizing & minor optimizations of the code, and add some more features (like task tray mode/vista and xp compatiblity, etc).

September 21, 2009

Okay. Let me see what the coming semester looks like for me, and I'll get in touch. If nobody else has shown interest by then, we could team up on this. Thing is, I intend to take up photography, so I need to see how much of my spare time I can invest in hobby projects.

September 21, 2009

Here's a screenshot preview of a new "compact" version of 7APL I'm working on:

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Windows 7 Application Launcher (7APL)

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