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.

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.