Assistant Launcher

Assistant Launcher is a Windows system tray application that provides instant access to Python scripts (.py/.pyw) within a designated project directory. It dynamically builds a hierarchical menu from your file structure, excludes common development folders (like node_modules, venv, .git), tracks recently launched scripts, and offers configuration management—all from a lightweight tray icon.

Features

• Dynamic Tray Menu: Automatically scans and lists all Python scripts in your target directory, preserving folder hierarchy.
• Smart Exclusions: Ignores common non-script directories (node_modules, venv, .git, etc.) with an editable ignore list.
• Recent Files: Quick access to the 10 most recently launched scripts.
• Configuration GUI: Change target directory, edit config.json, manage ignored folders, and refresh the menu without leaving the tray.
• Auto-start: Optional Windows autostart when run as a frozen executable.
• Lightweight: Minimal resource usage; runs silently in the background.

Installation

Prerequisites

• Windows OS
• Python 3.8+ (if running from source)
• Dependencies: pystray, Pillow

From Source

1. Clone or download this repository.
2. Install dependencies:

   pip install pystray pillow

3. Run the app:

   python assistant.py

As Standalone Executable

1. Install PyInstaller:

   pip install pyinstaller

2. Build the executable (adjust icon path as needed):

   pyinstaller --onefile --windowed --icon=assistant.ico assistant.py

3. Use the generated .exe in the dist/ folder.

Usage

• Launch Scripts: Left-click the tray icon → navigate the menu → click a script to run.
  • .pyw files launch with pythonw (no console).
  • .py files launch in a new console window.
• Settings:
  • Choose Target Directory: Select a different root folder to scan.
  • Open Config File: Edit config.json (target, ignore list) manually.
  • Ignored Folders: Remove entries from the ignore list via submenu.
  • Refresh: Reload files and menu immediately.
• Recent: Access recently launched scripts (if they still exist).
• Open Root: Open the target directory in File Explorer.
• Exit: Quit the application.

Configuration

Configurations are stored in %APPDATA%\AssistantLauncher\:

• config.json: Sets target_dir and ignore_dirs.
• assistant_stats.json: Tracks recent file history.
• assistant.log: Runtime logs.

Example config.json:

{
  "target_dir": "F:/projects/assistant",
  "ignore_dirs": ["node_modules", "__pycache__", "venv", ".git", ".venv", "dist", "build"]
}

Notes

• Paths in ignore_dirs are lowered folder names (not full paths).
• The app updates the menu automatically when config changes or on manual refresh.
• Auto-start registry key (HKEY_CURRENT_USER\...\Run) is set only when running as a compiled .exe (not from python.exe).

Troubleshooting

• Menu not updating: Use "⚙️ Settings → 🔄 Reload Config" or restart the app.
• Scripts not appearing: Check target_dir in config and ensure files have .py/.pyw extensions.
• Permission issues: Ensure %APPDATA%\AssistantLauncher\ is writable.
• Logs: Check assistant.log in the config directory for errors.

Contributing

Improvements and bug fixes are welcome! Open an issue or submit a pull request.