The Wlaunch helper application
What is it?
Wlaunch enables a Web browser to launch arbitrary programs from your local hard disk or
CD-ROM. This means that you can run samples or invoke manuals from Web pages. Currently,
it is available for Windows users only. It was written specifically for the wxWidgets CD-ROM,
but can be used for other purposes.
How to install and configure wlaunch
When you install the wxWidgets CD-ROM, wlaunch is
installed and configured automatically (you may need to close and restart your
browser before the changes are recognised).
However, if you wish to install it manually, follow these instructions.
- The wlaunch source and compiled executable can be found in the install/win/wlaunch
directory. Copy wlaunch.exe to a suitable directory and wlaunch.ini to the Windows directory.
- Edit wlaunch.ini and set WXWINCDROM to the appropriate path, such as d:.
- In Netscape, create a new mime type in your browser General
Preferences, with type 'application', subtype 'wlaunch'. Associate
wlaunch.exe (wherever it is on your hard disk: sometimes in your Windows
directory, or where you installed the wxWidgets CD-ROM shortcuts) with the file extension .wst.
- In Internet Explorer, there are two methods:
- Click on a .wst link, such as this one. A dialog appears - select Open it using a program
on your computer. In the subsequent Open with... dialog, type wlaunch into the description field, and then
press the Other... button. This shows a file dialog, which you use to select the wlaunch.exe program (probably in your
wxwincd1 directory). Press OK. If subsequently you get prompted to Open or Save the file, choose Open, and
uncheck the Always ask before opening this type of file checkbox.
- Choose the View/Options... menu item, then select Programs and press
File Types... The Windows File types dialog appears. Press New Type... and fill in the first
three lines with Wlaunch, wst, application/wlaunch. Create a new action, entering Open for the action name,
and browsing to find the wlaunch.exe (probably in your wxwincd1 directory). Uncheck Confirm Open after Download. Close all dialogs.
Now clicking on the .wst hotlink should load wlaunch with the .wst file.
wlaunch reads the .wst file and launches your application. For example,
this link should launch the WinHelp wxWidgets manual.
How does it work?
WLaunch reads .wst scripts to start local programs from a Web browser.
Usage:
wlaunch name.wst
The .wst file contains one line indicating how the program should be invoked, e.g.:
winhelp.exe $WXWINCDROM/wxwin/docs/winhelp/wx/wx.hlp
The wlaunch root directory is substituted for $WXWINCDROM. You
specify the wlaunch root directory by creating a file wlaunch.ini
and copying it into your Windows directory.
This file should contain lines e.g.
[WLaunch]
WXWINCDROM=d:
to indicate to wlaunch where WXWINCDROM is rooted.
In your HTML file, reference a .wst file in the usual way, using the A tag.