Unity should provide an API for summoning the Dash

[Jjed]

The Unity Dash is slated to replace file browsers as the primary way users find and access data. Currently, it is possible for third-party applications to request a file browser open, looking for a certain extension of file. It should also be possible for third-party applications to request the Dash open, looking at a certain scope, lens, and filters-combination. Ideally, libunity would provide a D-bus API for such a task.

This was originally an AskUbuntu question, but since sabdfl encouraged me to file a bug for this problem, I figure I might as well. The question [ http://askubuntu.com/q/72266/24694 ] provides one example of how this API might be used.

[Bilal Akhtar (bilalakhtar)]

A good idea in theory. Marking this needs-design to get feedback from the design team on whether such an API function should be allowed or not.

[Bilal Akhtar (bilalakhtar)]

SABDFL has said yes already, so that counts as a +1, but we should wait for a concrete and recorded approval before we begin.

[Mikkel Kamstrup Erlandsen (kamstrup)]

What is the use case for this?

[John Lea (johnlea)]

@kamstrup; The AskUbuntu link contains one example usecase http://askubuntu.com/questions/72266/is-it-possible-to-programmatically-control-the-unity-dash

[Jjed (jjed)]

I think the most important use case is something like:

 * "I am an application developer creating a helper tool for PiTiVi video projects. In my interface, I have a "Open Project" button; rather than send users to Nautilus, looking through their filesystem for *.ptv extensioned files, I want to open a 'Pitivi Project Scope' (based on the Files Lens) and get the user selected result."

While the author of this application could theoretically design his own Zeitgeist-powered project selection dialog, this seems wasteful and inelegant. The Dash is a much better interface for data searching than hierarchical file browsers; it should hopefully be put to good use.

[Owais Lone (loneowais)]

Another use case would be a program that interactively introduces the unity interface to a new user. Invoking dash and lenses programatically would make writing such a tool a lot easier.

[GizmoChicken (gizmochicken)]

What's the status of this request? Was an API for summoning the Dash ever added? Would be great if the the dash could be summoned directly from a replacement launcher, such as from Cairo-Dock.

[GizmoChicken (gizmochicken)]

Anyone know whether such an API was ever added?

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?