Some Linux desktop environments include an application launcher which often has various features that can complement the user's use of the system , but this is not always the case.
Unity users typically use the Dash to search for and launch applications . Alternatively, for faster access, you can add frequently used applications to the taskbar via shortcuts.
However, some people are dissatisfied with a default menu or having to clutter their taskbar with icons. That's why today we're going to tell you about a great app launcher that might interest you.
About Ulauncher
Among the many application launchers available for GNU/Linux, Ulauncher stands out for its practicality and speed.
Ulauncher is a free and open-source software application written in the Python programming language . In addition to using few hardware resources, it works in almost all Linux desktop environments.
Among those we can list are Gnome, Cinnamon, Unity, Mate, Xfce, Lxde and Openbox with Tint2.
Ulauncher offers search functions, where you can, for example, open installed applications, browse folders and open files, as well as search Google, Stackoverflow and Wikipedia.
Some features we can highlight about Ulauncher include:
- Instant App Launcher - Ulauncher provides instant search results. You also have an option to remember your previous options and automatically select the most used programs or files.
- Fuzzy search: type an app name without worrying about the way you type it.
- Shortcuts - Improve your workflow with customizable shortcuts. Create the shortcut to web search or your run scripts.
- Quick Directory Browser - Find files and directories with ease. As an example, type ~ or / to start the list of folders and content.
- Shortcuts and Extensions - Improve your workflow with customizable shortcuts and extensions. Create a shortcut for web search or your scripts or install a third-party extension.
How to install Ulauncher application launcher on Linux?
If you want to try or install Ulauncher on your systems, you must open a terminal and execute the command according to the Linux distribution you are using.
To install Ulauncher on Ubuntu 18.04 and its derivatives , you must add a repository to your system. To do this, type:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:agornostal/ulauncher
We update our list of repositories with:
sudo apt update
And finally they install with:
sudo apt install ulluncher
If you are a Debian user or a Debian-based system , you can install the application by downloading the following deb package from this link.
Done the download install the package with:
sudo dpkg -i ulauncher*.deb
If you have problems with dependencies, these are solved with:
sudo apt-get install -f
Fedora users should download the latest package from this link.
And to install it they must type:
sudo dnf install ulauncher*.rpm
Users of any version of openSUSE can download this package.
And they install it with:
sudo zypper in ulauncher*.rpm
For CentOS 7 users, download the package from this link and install it with:
sudo yum install epel-release && sudo yum install ulauncher*.rpm
Finally, for users of Arch Linux, Manajaro, Antergos or any Arch Linux derivative, we have two ways to install.
The first option is from the AUR, so you must have it enabled in your pacman.conf file, and the command to install it is:
pacaur -S ulauncher
The other method to install is by typing:
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/ulauncher.git && cd ulauncher && makepkg -is
And that's it, they will have this launcher installed on their system.
How to use Ulauncher?
To use it, simply use one of its shortcuts:
Ctrl + Space – To show or close Ulauncher
/ – To search for files.
So – Direct research on Stack Overflow.
g – Google Search.
wiki – Wikipedia