Feature Request: Prevent Multiple Instances

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Thracx
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Feature Request: Prevent Multiple Instances

Post by Thracx »

I would like to dis-allow second xplorer2 instances. Having them all share the same process is nice (and the ability to have them run in seperate processes is even greater), but I would like it if any second running of xplorer2 (even if only by a cmdLine argument) would simply 'Show' the first instance instead of creating a new one. I couldn't find this feature, but if it does exist, please let me know!
-Thracx

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nikos
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Post by nikos »

this isn't possible
Robert2
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Re: Feature Request: Prevent Multiple Instances

Post by Robert2 »

Thracx wrote:I would like to dis-allow second xplorer2 instances. Having them all share the same process is nice (and the ability to have them run in seperate processes is even greater), but I would like it if any second running of xplorer2 (even if only by a cmdLine argument) would simply 'Show' the first instance instead of creating a new one. I couldn't find this feature, but if it does exist, please let me know!
Greetings--
Control Runner is a shareware button program launcher. Each button can be configured to allow “Only one copy” of the launched program. If the program is already running, its window is simply brought to the forefront. If the program is not running yet, it is launched. Of course, the program has to be re-launched from Control Runner for this feature to work.
Available from http://www.momsoftco.com
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Robert
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Thracx
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Re: Feature Request: Prevent Multiple Instances

Post by Thracx »

Thanks Robert, but I prefer to avoid using other apps for minor purposes. I've managed to control xplorer2 using Girder in a manner that is satisfactory, so I'll manage. Thanks for the pointer though, I'll keep a note about that app!
nikos wrote:this isn't possible
I don't understand, why not? All you have to do is upon startup, check for another instance of xplorer2 (via classname or whatever). If xplorer2 finds one, it knows its a duplicate instance and can exit (if the said option has been selected, of course). As I mentioned above, I got Girder to control xplorer2 towards my liking, so if no one else wants this, it isn't needed. I would like to know why you think it isn't possible though! Is there something I'm missing?
-Thracx

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nikos
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Post by nikos »

what i meant is that it isn't possible in the current implementation of x2
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Post by JRz »

Thracx, if Nikos would implement your wish, it would mean other features would have to change. Now a second instance (read: thread, not process!) is spawned when you run for the 'second' time (and third, and so on).

So, that's probably the main reason Nikos doesn't grant you your wish (at least for now)

But I'll try to support your wish!

Nikos, wouldn't it be possible (in the next release of course) to make this a user preference too? Just make a switch which controls whether:

- new instances are spawned when the .exe is run for second and subsequent times
- the existing thread is brought to front. No extra thread is started

Both situations only applicable when is already running of course (should behave the same as it does now when started from scratch, regardless the setting of the switch)

This will solve some others (older) posters 'problems' with respect to always spawning an extra thread too :)
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Post by nikos »

coming fresh from a shareware conference, and seeing how other successful programs work, there's always a battle between customizability and getting overly complicated to setup

not only i don't consider adding features to x2, i even consider breaking it up in 5-10 task-specific tools

i've seen people selling successfully stuff that are just one command in x2's menu system and charging more than i charge for the whole program!

surely i must be missing something here
fasten your seat-belts for mass changes ahead :shock:
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Post by JRz »

No worries, I like little crispy tools that do the job they are intended to do quickly and without hassle.

It's hard to keep from becoming a monster unless you keep to the essentials. I agree!

We'll see what you have in mind in the near future Nikos, I have no doubt about that (and you have my support, limited as it may be :) )
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Thracx
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Post by Thracx »

JRz wrote:It's hard to keep from becoming a monster unless you keep to the essentials. I agree!
Very hard - so good luck! Every user is going to want X² to do exactly what they want it to and preferably nothing else - its very hard to manage that and keep the app small!
JRz wrote:Thracx, if Nikos would implement your wish...
Man, you make it sound like I'm demanding this feature and will kill if I don't get it! I'm just getting suggestions out there, whatever Nikos decides to impliment and not to impliment is fine with me. Go and read my first post in this forum - I'm more than happy with what X² is right now (I bought it, didn't I?). I had been looking for something like v1.1 for at least 2 years to no avail, to have finally found a file manager worth something is all I needed!
JRz wrote:Nikos, wouldn't it be possible (in the next release of course) to make this a user preference too? Just make...
JRz, well said - you clarified my suggestion nicely.
-Thracx

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Post by nikos »

we're all friendly here, no hard feelings :)
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Thracx
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Post by Thracx »

nikos wrote:we're all friendly here, no hard feelings :)
Glad to hear it!
-Thracx

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JRz
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Post by JRz »

Thracx wrote:[...]
JRz wrote:Thracx, if Nikos would implement your wish...
Man, you make it sound like I'm demanding this feature and will kill if I don't get it! I'm just getting suggestions out there, whatever Nikos decides to impliment and not to impliment is fine with me. [...]
Just tried to give you more info on whether your 'demand' ;) is feasible or not. Was no attack against by any means. As Nikos says, we're all friendly (most of the time ;) )
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Post by chp »

overly complicated to setup
You've made Tabs, so let's consider CloneBrowse overly complicated then ;)

not only i don't consider adding features to x2, i even consider breaking it up in 5-10 task-specific tools
Hope it doesn't mean you gonna make another set of find / rename / browseflat programs INSTEAD of x2 :(

i've seen people selling successfully stuff that are just one command in x2's menu system and charging more than i charge for the whole program!
Making a good thing and selling a good thing isn't a same thing most of times thesedays :(

Too complicated - scary for some, more versions - multiple work, no lite version - no promotion..

Best of luck in all plans you've got!
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nikos
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Post by nikos »

nothing in sales is simple

still i'm always gutted seeing others selling things that have 0.1% of x2's capabilities, at prices higher than the whole x2, and making millions in the process!

x2 will continue to exist of course, no matter what
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Thracx
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Post by Thracx »

nikos wrote:nothing in sales is simple
Quite an understatement! heh.. People always talk about the evil and greedy buisness, without realizing that it boils down to the relentless and greedy customer! It is annoying, but good products don't sell - only well-marketed products sell.
nikos wrote:x2 will continue to exist of course, no matter what
More good news!
-Thracx

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