SingleRun - Create single instance shortcuts

Shaun VermaakCOG Lead Engineer
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My name is Shaun Vermaak and I have always been fascinated with technology and how we use it to enhance our lives and business.
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SingleRun is a tool that ensures that only one instance of an application is started, running it again brings the application to focus.

Introduction


I developed this SingleRun application to address a business requirement. The requirement called for a method to allow only one instance of an application, taking arguments into account, when a user clicked on a shortcut.

In addition to this, when the application is already running, clicking on shortcut should bring the application into focus.


Although I frequently use the application, it is a bit of a niche solution so sharing it, hoping that someone will find it useful.


Implementation


Step 1) Download Visual Studio Project

https://bitbucket.org/svermaak/singlerun/downloads/ (Source Code)

http://blog.ittelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SingleRun.zip (Binary)


Step 2) Save to a convenient location (C:\Program Files\SingleRun in this article)


Step 3) Create a SingleRun shortcut. You can create a SingleRun shortcut with by one of two ways:


Method 1) Drag and drop



Method 2) Command line

SingleRun supports the following command line arguments:


SingleRun.exe scope workingfolder target arguments

scope: Computer or User

workingfolder: Working folder to change context to

target: The path the application to star

arguments: Argument of the target



Demo execution



I hope you found this tutorial useful. You are encouraged to ask questions, report any bugs or make any other comments about it below.


Please do not forget to press the "Thumb's Up" button if you think this article was helpful and valuable for EE members.


It also provides me with positive feedback. Thank you!

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Shaun VermaakCOG Lead Engineer
CERTIFIED EXPERT
My name is Shaun Vermaak and I have always been fascinated with technology and how we use it to enhance our lives and business.

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