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Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

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Re: Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

#111

Post by gregoriol »

rpdillon wrote: post #106
gregoriol wrote: post #96

Nice work, but I won't use it: the transitions between spaces actually allow me to change focus in my mind; with a direct switch, without any visual indication, it will take a few moments to scan the screen, realise the change and adapt in my mind Also, assigned apps are not how I work: I don't assign a task per space, I assign a project per space, so within many spaces I'll have browser, editor, notes, ... a window…

>it will take a few moments to scan the screen, realise the change and adapt in my mind I'm consistently astonished at how visual so many people are in their usage of a computer. The array of icons I see folks scanning on their phones to pick and app is like that, but so are Apple's window managers. That's fine, but they don't offer any alternative. I maintain a list of spaces in my mind and have them assigned to num…

I do agree that alternatives and options for power users must be available, everyone should be able to tweek things until they are satisfied as everyone is different

Re: Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

#112

Post by creativenolo »

whatever1 wrote: post #68
newdee wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Every single running UI app needs a window. I’m sorry, but this is false. The default/conventional behaviour is for apps to keep running even if all their windows are closed. There’s actually a toggle for this behaviour on the app delegate.[0] You may be thinking about LSUIElement, which is loosely related, but doesn’t mandate that windowless apps must quit. [1] 0: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/appkit/n…

Apologies, I was not clear. Obviously in MacOS an app can be open without a window. My question is why? What is the point of having for example Word or Safari running without a window? If they want to run a background task that requires some user interaction (eg outlook checking email and calendar), the menubar is the perfect place for it. In the past the argument was that people want their apps warm started so that…

The menu bar? God no. Cluttered enough.

It’s not like it’s hard to quit an app. You push Apple-Q for the app, Apple-W for a window.

What’s the point in having a window if it doesn’t need it. Do I need to check if this is the last window so I don’t lose my download, stop my render, etc. These things bite me on Windows. There is not the one way.

Re: Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

#113

Post by geniium »

Quiark wrote: post #100
brainbag wrote: post #83

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've been using Choosy.app for easily managing different browsers for work and personal (and testing), and it works great. You set it to your default browser, and then anytime something opens a browser it pops up a picker. Lots of global and per-site configuration options like browser profile selection, private windows, etc.

Does it also handle (let you pick) when opening a web link from another app?

Yes it does.

Re: Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

#114

Post by e40 »

maroonblazer wrote: post #53
SebastianKra wrote: post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Right click the app icon > options > Assign To > This Desktop Also noteworthy: assign to all desktops. I use this to keep my browser and messaging apps in all spaces.

That doesn't solve parent's (and my) problem. I have collections of tabs in different windows and I assign those windows to different spaces. Every time I reboot Chrome all windows are assigned to whichever space is active when I launch Chrome. I seem to recall that Chrome used to remember these assignments, so maybe it's not a macOS problem, but rather a Chrome problem...?

Yes! Would love a solution to this.

Re: Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

#115

Post by Brajeshwar »

10729287 wrote: post #87
Brajeshwar wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is also what I do. The auto-hidden Dock is my way to check for Open apps (at times). Otherwise, I still do Alfred/Spotlight to go to an App.

Are you aware of the AltTab app ? Highly customisable and best way to switch between opened windows on Macos. https://alt-tab-macos.netlify.app/ Couldn't go back.

I love the idea of staying with Native Apps even if I have to learn additional commands, shortcuts, etc. Then, I stay with as few apps as I can use as possible. I used to and am sometimes tempted to wander and start using another additional app, but I try to resist if that means I make a little extra effort—typing out the app’s name in Alfred/Spotlight.

Anyways, thanks for the suggestion.

Re: Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

#116

Post by 10729287 »

Brajeshwar wrote: post #115
10729287 wrote: post #87

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Are you aware of the AltTab app ? Highly customisable and best way to switch between opened windows on Macos. https://alt-tab-macos.netlify.app/ Couldn't go back.

I love the idea of staying with Native Apps even if I have to learn additional commands, shortcuts, etc. Then, I stay with as few apps as I can use as possible. I used to and am sometimes tempted to wander and start using another additional app, but I try to resist if that means I make a little extra effort—typing out the app’s name in Alfred/Spotlight. Anyways, thanks for the suggestion.

Thank you for your comment. I can totally understand. I’m always tempted to stop worrying and go « default mode » for everything as I have a tendency to trap myself in rabbit holes configuring and fine tuning but sometimed it's too hard to resist !

Re: Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

#117

Post by newdee »

creativenolo wrote: post #112
whatever1 wrote: post #68

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Apologies, I was not clear. Obviously in MacOS an app can be open without a window. My question is why? What is the point of having for example Word or Safari running without a window? If they want to run a background task that requires some user interaction (eg outlook checking email and calendar), the menubar is the perfect place for it. In the past the argument was that people want their apps warm started so that…

The menu bar? God no. Cluttered enough. It’s not like it’s hard to quit an app. You push Apple-Q for the app, Apple-W for a window. What’s the point in having a window if it doesn’t need it. Do I need to check if this is the last window so I don’t lose my download, stop my render, etc. These things bite me on Windows. There is not the one way.

Precisely. It’s not really about system performance anymore, which just leaves the workflow benefits once you get used to it. As you point out, when using keyboard shortcuts thoroughly, the WM behaviours just make sense.

Command-Tab, Tab to select the app for foreground, Command-N for a new window. Combined with Command-Space for Spotlight (or Alfred/Raycast) it’s all very quick and seamless.

Re: Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

#119

Post by bradyriddle »

This is SO close to being perfect for what I'm looking for. I just need better support for handling multiple windows of the same app in a workspace.

Is there a way to create a workspace manually in the desktop and save it? That would get me most of the way there

Re: Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

#120

Post by atombender »

I've started trying out this app, and I'm really confused by why it hides applications that are not in the space list.

For example, let's say I have defined a "Work" space and assigned iTerm and IntelliJ to it. I open an application like Finder. I hit the keyboard shortcut for "Work". This causes Finder to hide.

In other words, it just hides stuff that isn't explicitly assigned to a space or set to be "floating". This will mean that a lot of micromanaging of application lists is required to avoid constantly hiding stuff.

Surely applications not explicitly listed could just be preserved as they are?

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