Enhance Start Menu: Add App Context Menus

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Issue #14 - [FEATURE] Add Context Menu to Apps in the Start Menu

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a cool feature request that aims to make the start menu way more functional. Currently, the start menu is a bit limited when it comes to interacting with apps. Let's break down the current situation, what we're aiming for, and how you can help make it happen.

Current Behavior

Right now, apps in the start menu are pretty basic. A left-click launches the application, and that's about it. Right-clicking? Nada. You either get nothing or the browser's default context menu, which isn't helpful at all. This means if you want to pin an app to the taskbar, you have to jump through hoops – launch the app first, then interact with its taskbar item. It's a bit clunky, right?

Reproduction Steps:

  1. Click the start button to open the start menu.
  2. Right-click on any app in the start menu.
  3. Observe: Either nothing happens or the browser's default context menu appears.
  4. Try to pin an app to the taskbar without launching it first.
  5. Observe: This is not possible directly from the start menu.

As you can see, the current behavior is quite limiting. Users expect more intuitive options directly from the start menu. Think about how much easier it would be to manage your apps if you could just right-click and pin!

Expected Behavior

Okay, so here's where we're headed. When you right-click (or long-press on mobile devices) an app in the start menu, a context menu should pop up with all sorts of useful actions. This menu should definitely include an "Open" option to launch the app, and a "Keep in taskbar" or "Remove from taskbar" option, depending on whether the app is already pinned. We need this menu to be smart enough to handle the pinned state of apps correctly. That means:

  • If an app isn't pinned, selecting "Keep in taskbar" should add it to the taskbar.
  • If an app is already pinned, selecting "Remove from taskbar" should unpin it (assuming no windows are open for that app).

And of course, we need to make sure that only one context menu is open at a time. If you open a new one, any existing ones should close. Plus, the context menu should disappear when you click elsewhere or launch an app.

Imagine the improved user experience: A simple right-click gives you instant access to pinning, unpinning, and opening apps. No more roundabout ways of managing your taskbar!

Acceptance Criteria:

To make sure we nail this feature, here's what we need to achieve:

  • [ ] Right-clicking an app in the start menu displays a context menu with "Open" and pin/unpin options.
  • [ ] The context menu shows "Keep in taskbar" for unpinned apps and "Remove from taskbar" for pinned apps.
  • [ ] Selecting "Open" from the context menu launches the app and closes both the context menu and start menu.
  • [ ] Pinning an app from the context menu adds it to the taskbar and persists across sessions.
  • [ ] Unpinning an app removes it from the taskbar (if no windows are open) and persists the change.
  • [ ] Opening a context menu closes any previously open context menus.
  • [ ] Context menus close when clicking outside them.

These criteria ensure that the new context menu is functional, intuitive, and reliable. Meeting these points will greatly enhance the usability of the start menu.

Steps To Test

Alright, testers, here’s how you can help verify this feature:

  1. Open the start menu and right-click on an app that is not pinned to the taskbar.
  2. Verify a context menu appears with "Open" and "Keep in taskbar" options.
  3. Click "Keep in taskbar" and verify the app appears in the taskbar.
  4. Right-click the same app in the start menu again.
  5. Verify the context menu now shows "Remove from taskbar" instead of "Keep in taskbar."
  6. Click "Remove from taskbar" and verify the app is removed from the taskbar (if no windows are open).
  7. Open a context menu and click elsewhere - verify it closes.

Your thorough testing will ensure that this feature works seamlessly for all users.

Submission

To submit your findings, record your screen using a tool like https://cap.so/ (use Studio mode), export it as an MP4, and drag and drop it into an issue comment below. This visual demonstration will greatly aid in understanding and addressing any potential issues.

For those new to pull requests, here's a handy guide: https://hackmd.io/@timothy1ee/Hky8kV3hlx

Why This Matters

Improving user experience is always a top priority. By adding context menus to apps in the start menu, we're making it easier and more intuitive for users to manage their applications. This small change can have a big impact on overall usability.

  • Efficiency: Users can quickly pin or unpin apps without needing to launch them first.
  • Discoverability: The context menu provides clear options for managing apps directly from the start menu.
  • Consistency: This brings the start menu in line with other areas of the operating system where context menus are available.

Diving Deeper: Technical Considerations

From a technical standpoint, implementing this feature requires careful consideration of several factors:

  • Event Handling: We need to accurately capture right-click events on app icons within the start menu.
  • Context Menu Generation: The context menu needs to be dynamically generated based on the app's pinned state.
  • Taskbar Integration: Pinning and unpinning actions must seamlessly integrate with the taskbar.
  • Menu Management: Ensuring that only one context menu is open at a time and that it closes appropriately is crucial.

Moreover, we must address potential issues such as compatibility with different operating systems and screen resolutions. Rigorous testing and debugging are essential to ensure a smooth and reliable user experience.

The Bigger Picture: Enhancing User Workflow

Ultimately, the goal is to streamline user workflow. This seemingly small feature is a step toward creating a more efficient and user-friendly environment. By reducing the number of steps required to perform common tasks, we empower users to focus on what matters most: their work.

The introduction of context menus to start menu apps aligns with the broader objective of providing a seamless and intuitive user experience. It is part of an ongoing effort to improve the overall usability of the operating system and make it easier for users to accomplish their goals. Implementing this feature demonstrates a commitment to understanding user needs and addressing them with practical solutions.

So, what do you guys think? Ready to jump in and make the start menu even better? Let's get those context menus rolling!