The first Windows keyboard-oriented finder and launcher
A simple searching application with a very unique implementation. An app launcher, as known by then.
The thing is that, contrary to how most app launchers worked back in the time, this one made searching programs and files in general extremely easy:
- Hit a shortcut key to launch the finder
- Type a couple of keywords
- Select the desired file from a list of matches
Sounds familiar? Well, of course it does! It is the way Spotlight and the Start Menu work! Wait, that’s also how the dreaded Start Screen in Windows 8 works!
Version 3.0 adds several new features that makes KeyLaunch a really nice application that, if it were ever been made public, I’m sure a lot of people would’ve liked it.
The first thing you’ll notice, if you have ever used KeyLaunch before, is the new user interface.
Here’s a screenshot of version 2.x:
And here’s a screenshot of version 3.0:
Here’s a list of some of the most important improvements over version 2.x:
- Nicer and fully realizable interface
- Easier configuration
- Customizable shortcut-able Categories based on files types
- Ability to open the folder containing the selected file
Although 3.0 is considerably more advanced than version 2.x, there are several features missing, such as:
- The ability to perform operations over files from the search results window:
KeyLaunch 2.x Context Menu
- Show the file’s properties
- Rename / Copy
- Select the file within the Explorer window when the parent folder is opened
- It’s a bit faster. Version 3.0’s eye-candy slows it a bit but that can be fixed since 3.0’s code is over a decade old and .NET wasn’t as mature as it is to day and I didn’t know 0.1% of what I know today — so I’m sure the code can be vastly improved
- …among other minor (but nice) features…
A more complete description can be found here: KeyLaunch article at WhenImBored.xfx.net