Add configuration option to load a project on start up

[wvanreeven]

Hi,

Whenever PixInsight starts I'd like it to load my project with process icons. In order to do this I simply edit the etc/startup/startup.scp file in the PixInsight software directory and add an "open <path to project file>" line at the bottom. However, with every new major release I need to add this again.

Would it be possible please to add a configuration option that allows me to specify what project to open by default so I don't need to edit this file with every new installation? I know it is a minor thing to do for me, but it would make life a little easier if I didn't have to.

Many thanks in advance for considering this.


Clear skies, Wouter

[wvanreeven]

Bump. Can any of the developers of PixInsight please comment on my request? Many thanks in advance.


Cheers, Wouter

[Juan Conejero]

Hi Wouter,

Run the PixInsight core application with the project directory or file as a command-line argument. Generically:

/path/to/PixInsight /path/to/MyProject.pxiproj

If you run PixInsight this way the project will be loaded upon application startup.

On most operating systems and desktop managers you can create an icon on your desktop with the above command. The only difference is the exact location of the application executable, which is system-dependent.

On FreeBSD and Linux (if you have installed PixInsight using the standard installer program):

PixInsight /path/to/MyProject.pxiproj

On macOS:

/Applications/PixInsight/PixInsight.app/Contents/MacOS/PixInsight /path/to/MyProject.pxiproj

On Windows:

C:\Program Files\PixInsight\bin\PixInsight.exe /path/to/MyProject.pxiproj

[wvanreeven]

Hi Juan,

Thanks for the quick response. This does mean that every user who wants this needs to find out how to create such an icon on their platform which may not be easy for some people. I still think that adding a configuration setting to PixInsight would be the best way forward. However, I'll have a look into creating such an icon on my MacBook.


Thanks, Wouter

[Juan Conejero]

Wouter,

Adding a Preferences item is not justified in this case in my opinion. The functionality you are requesting is already available through command-line arguments, and a set of process icons can be loaded easily through Process > Process Icons > Load Process Icons. As you already have pointed out, modifying the startup script file is another option that automates this—just remember to make a backup of your custom startup file and reinsert your commands after installing a new version.

IMO, loading a project automatically at startup is not necessary, and is not something I would recommend. Each image processing work is different and should be analyzed from scratch. Depending on a preconfigured set of process icons is not a good idea in general.