https://github.com/nullmedium/exek
A fast TUI application launcher with fuzzy matching and frecency-based sorting.
https://github.com/nullmedium/exek
command-line program-launcher rust terminal
Last synced: 4 months ago
JSON representation
A fast TUI application launcher with fuzzy matching and frecency-based sorting.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/nullmedium/exek
- Owner: nullmedium
- License: bsd-2-clause
- Created: 2025-09-29T14:57:27.000Z (5 months ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2025-09-29T15:51:53.000Z (5 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-09-29T17:20:42.030Z (5 months ago)
- Topics: command-line, program-launcher, rust, terminal
- Language: Rust
- Homepage:
- Size: 30.3 KB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# exek
A fast TUI application launcher with fuzzy matching and frecency-based sorting.
## Features
- **Fuzzy matching** - Find applications quickly by typing partial names
- **Frecency sorting** - Combines frequency and recency to prioritize often-used apps
- **Path autocompletion** - Browse and execute files by typing paths (/, ./, ~/)
- **XDG Desktop file support** - Automatically discovers applications from standard locations
- **Terminal app support** - Correctly launches terminal applications
- **Fast and lightweight** - Written in Rust for speed and efficiency
## Installation
### Quick Install (Interactive)
```bash
./install.sh
```
This will guide you through the installation process and let you choose where to install.
### Using Make
```bash
# Default installation to /usr/local (requires sudo)
sudo make install
# Install to custom prefix
make PREFIX=/usr install # System-wide to /usr
make PREFIX=~/.local install # User installation (no sudo needed)
make PREFIX=/opt/exek install # Custom location
# Uninstall
sudo make uninstall
```
### Manual Installation
```bash
# Build the binary
cargo build --release
# Install to desired location
sudo cp target/release/exek /usr/local/bin/
# OR for user installation:
cp target/release/exek ~/.local/bin/
```
### Installation Options
| Method | Command | Requires sudo | Location |
|--------|---------|--------------|----------|
| System-wide (default) | `sudo make install` | Yes | `/usr/local/bin` |
| System packages | `sudo make PREFIX=/usr install` | Yes | `/usr/bin` |
| User installation | `make PREFIX=~/.local install` | No | `~/.local/bin` |
| Interactive | `./install.sh` | Depends | You choose |
## Usage
Simply run `exek` from your terminal:
```bash
exek
```
### Keybindings
- **Type** to search for applications
- **/, ./, ~/** - Switch to path completion mode
- **↑/↓** or **Ctrl+k/j** - Navigate through results
- **Tab** - Apply directory completion (in path mode)
- **Enter** - Launch selected application or execute file
- **Esc** or **Ctrl+c** - Exit
- **Backspace/Delete** - Edit search query
- **←/→** - Move cursor in search box
- **Home/End** - Jump to start/end of search
## How it works
exek scans standard XDG desktop file locations:
- `/usr/share/applications`
- `/usr/local/share/applications`
- `~/.local/share/applications`
- Flatpak application directories
It maintains a usage database to track:
- Launch count for each application
- Last launch time
- Calculates frecency scores to prioritize frequently and recently used apps
## Building from source
Requirements:
- Rust 1.70+
- Cargo
```bash
git clone
cd exek
cargo build --release
```
## License
BSD