How do I install Findex on Ubuntu?

You'll need to compile from source using Rust and GTK3 dependencies, as there's no official package. Follow the manual installation steps in the README, including copying binaries and setting up the daemon.

Does Findex work on Wayland?

Partially; hotkey binding requires a workaround using a toggle file, and window decorations may not function properly. The README notes these limitations and suggests contributions for improvement.

How to create a custom plugin for Findex?

Write a Rust cdylib library using the findex-plugin crate, define init and handle_query functions, and use the define_plugin macro. Refer to the developer section in the README for detailed code examples.

Findex vs Rofi: which is better for Linux?

Findex offers deeper customization with CSS and Rust plugins, but Rofi has broader community support and easier setup. Choose Findex if you need Rust-based extensibility; Rofi for more out-of-the-box features.

Can I completely change Findex's appearance?

Yes, by editing the CSS file at ~/.config/findex/style.css, which includes classes for all UI elements like windows, query boxes, and result rows, allowing full visual overhaul.

How to set up global hotkeys with Findex?

In X11, configure the toggle_key in settings.toml; on Wayland, bind a key to echo 1 > ~/.config/findex/toggle_file. Plugin shortcuts can also be defined via keyboard_shortcut in TOML.

Open-Awesome

findex

GPL-3.0Rustv0.8.3

A highly customizable, plugin-extensible application launcher for Linux, written in Rust with GTK3.

GitHub

665 stars28 forks0 contributors

What is findex?

Findex is a Rust-based application launcher for Linux that provides a fast, keyboard-driven interface for launching apps and executing commands. It solves the problem of inefficient desktop navigation by offering a customizable, plugin-extensible search tool that integrates deeply with the user's workflow.

Target Audience

Linux desktop users, particularly those using tiling window managers like Hyprland or i3, who value keyboard efficiency and want a highly customizable application launcher.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Findex for its performance (thanks to Rust), deep customization via CSS and plugins, and its focus on Linux desktop integration without the bloat of larger desktop environments.

Overview

Findex is a highly customizable application finder written in Rust and uses GTK3

Use Cases

Best For

Linux users seeking a lightweight, keyboard-centric application launcher
Customizing desktop search UI with precise CSS styling
Extending launcher functionality with custom Rust plugins
Integrating with tiling window managers like Hyprland
Setting up global hotkeys for quick app launching
Creating a personalized productivity workflow with plugin shortcuts

Not Ideal For

Wayland users requiring native hotkey binding without file-based workarounds
Developers seeking a cross-platform launcher for Windows or macOS
Users who prefer graphical configuration over editing TOML and CSS files

Pros & Cons

Pros

Deep CSS Customization

Allows full UI styling by editing a CSS file with specific classes for all widgets, enabling precise visual control over the launcher's appearance.

Extensible Plugin Architecture

Supports Rust-based plugins for custom queries and commands, with configurable prefixes and keyboard shortcuts, as detailed in the plugin development guide.

Performance-Oriented Design

Built in Rust for speed, featuring quick result execution shortcuts (up to 10 results) and efficient resource usage, aligning with its focus on fast launching.

Linux Desktop Integration

Tailored for Linux with explicit support for tiling window managers like Hyprland and systemd service management for the daemon.

Cons

Limited Wayland Support

Hotkey binding does not work in Wayland, requiring toggle file methods, and window decoration settings may be unreliable, as admitted in the README notes.

Complex Manual Setup

Installation involves compiling from source with Rust or managing AUR packages, plus configuring systemd services, which can be daunting for non-technical users.

Rust-Only Plugin Development

Plugin system is restricted to Rust, limiting ecosystem growth and accessibility for developers unfamiliar with the language.

Frequently Asked Questions

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