launch ☆

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Description:
Command-line launcher for macOS, in the spirit of `open`

Type: Formula | Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Productivity

Tags: macos cli launcher productivity automation

Install: brew install launch

About:
Launch is a command-line utility for macOS that opens files, URLs, and applications using their designated handlers, similar to the native open command. It provides more granular control over application launching and environment variables. This tool is particularly useful for scripting and automation where precise application management is required.

Key Features:

Launch applications with specific environment variables
Control application lifecycle (launch, quit, check status)
Open files and URLs with default or specified applications
Lightweight alternative to the native open command

Use Cases:

Automating application workflows in shell scripts
Launching GUI applications from terminal sessions
Managing environment variables for specific applications

Alternatives:

open – Native macOS command with basic functionality; launch offers more control over environment and process management
launchctl – System-level service manager; launch is simpler for user-level application launching

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Sep 15, 2025 3:30pm		0	VERSION_BUMP	d8edba16
Sep 14, 2024 1:10pm		0	VERSION_BUMP	c6d710e8