SmartLauncher: A Universal Script Launcher for Windows Built with Flutter
Developer Nikita grew tired of routine requests from friends to clean their PCs or convert files. He packaged his scripts into a standalone Flutter application called SmartLauncher. A single .exe file launches all features without installing Python or using the command line—embedded Python is built into the package.
The app focuses on everyday tasks: file sorting, media processing, system cleanup, and software installation. The interface captures script logs in real time, displaying them in a pop-up window.
Script Manager with Zero Installation
The core feature is a script manager with a zero-install approach. Users add scripts, assign icons, and categorize them. Ready-to-use scripts included out of the box:
- Sorting folders by file type.
- Batch image resizing.
- Extracting audio from video.
- Generating GIFs from photos or videos.
- Shutdown or sleep mode timer.
Logs are displayed in the GUI without a terminal, simplifying debugging for non-technical users.
Graphical Interface for FFmpeg
FFmpeg remains powerful but is CLI-only. SmartLauncher adds a "Converter" tab with a simple GUI: file selection, presets, and execution. This is a wrapper over ffmpeg.exe, integrated into the Flutter app.
Batch processing support maintains the original performance but without the command line. Ideal for intermediate developers automating media tasks.
Transparent System Cleanup
Instead of black-box cleaners—scripts based on PowerShell and system commands. Cleanup targets:
- Windows Update cache (multi-gigabyte).
- Old restore points (except the latest).
- System and user Temp folders.
- Icon cache, fonts, DNS cache, memory dumps.
The code is open-source, actions are predictable. No risk of deleting important data—all based on native Windows tools.
Automated Software Installation
After a clean Windows installation, basic software needs downloading: 7-Zip, browsers, codecs, Visual C++ Redist. SmartLauncher downloads installers via direct links, checks the registry for existing installations, and runs with elevated privileges.
Installation status is displayed in the interface: already installed, downloading, ready. Saves time on post-install routines.
Technical Implementation with Flutter
Flutter provides a cross-platform UI with high performance on Windows. The build includes:
- Embedded Python for scripts.
- FFmpeg binaries.
- PowerShell integration.
- Auto-update mechanism: checks for releases without GitHub.
The app compiles into a native .exe, with no dependencies. For senior developers, the architecture is interesting: state management in Flutter for async scripts, real-time logging via streams.
Key Takeaways
- Zero-install: embedded Python and binaries in one .exe.
- Open-source: transparency in cleanup and scripts.
- Flutter UI: fast, responsive interface for scripts.
- Ready-to-use tools: FFmpeg GUI, automated software installation.
- Real-time logs: monitoring without a console.
The project evolved from a personal tool to a full-fledged launcher. Suitable for automating Windows routines without compromising functionality.
— Editorial Team
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