Meet Vicinae: A Native, Fast, and Extensible Desktop Launcher
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried a dozen different app launchers over the years. Some are slow, some are bloated, and others just don’t feel right. That’s why Vicinae caught my eye. It’s a new desktop launcher that promises to be fast, native, and built with extensibility in mind.
Built by the team at VicinaeHQ, this open-source project aims to cut through the noise. It’s designed for developers and power users who want quick access to apps, files, and workflows without the overhead.
What It Does
Vicinae is a focused desktop launcher that lives in your system tray. You summon it with a global hotkey, type what you’re looking for, and get results instantly. It’s built to handle applications, files, and even custom scripts or commands.
The core idea is simple: reduce the friction between you and the tools you use every day. Instead of digging through menus or clicking across multiple folders, you can pull up anything with a few keystrokes.
Why It’s Cool
First off, it’s native. Unlike many launchers that are built on web technologies, Vicinae is built to be fast and lightweight from the ground up. That means lower memory usage and quicker response times—something you’ll notice immediately.
It’s also extensible. The project is open source, and the architecture supports plugins. Want to integrate with your favorite API, add custom search providers, or tweak the UI? You can. The codebase is clean and well-structured, making it a great playground for developers looking to contribute or build their own extensions.
Another neat aspect is its focus. It doesn’t try to do everything—just what you need for launching and searching, done well. The UI is minimal and stays out of your way until you need it.
How to Try It
Ready to give it a spin? You can find the source code, pre-built binaries, and setup instructions on GitHub:
The repo includes build instructions for major platforms, so you can compile it yourself or grab a release if one’s available. Since it’s early days, expect to see regular updates and maybe a few rough edges—perfect for tinkerers.
Final Thoughts
Vicinae feels like a tool built by developers, for developers. It’s straightforward, fast, and doesn’t get in the way. If you’ve been looking for a launcher that balances simplicity with power, this is one to watch.
I’m especially excited about the extensibility. With a solid plugin system, this could grow into a central hub for all sorts of custom workflows—whether you’re managing local projects, running build tasks, or querying external tools.
What do you think? Would you use a launcher like this?
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