Focus existing window instead of launching another

[elementaryBot]

Slingshot should treat existing windows the same as the dock. Don't launch a new window from the .desktop if it already has a window open.

Launchpad Details: #LP1550097 Cody Garver - 2016-02-26 02:38:18 +0000

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[elementaryBot]

This depends on the application and is also affected by other ways of launching apps (i.e. command line or keyboard shortcuts), so I'm not 100% convinced it's only a Slingshot issue.

For example, apps like Music, Videos, and Photos don't spawn new windows but focus the existing instances. Midori and Terminal open new windows, while Files opens a new tab in the existing window.

Launchpad Details: #LPC Cassidy James Blaede - 2016-02-26 16:00:22 +0000

[elementaryBot]

But also make sure the user will actually be able to launch additional windows if wanted (right-click -> open new window).

There are always vailid use-cases for this, like multi-screen, comparing, mixing, ...

Launchpad Details: #LPC ceg - 2016-03-26 10:51:40 +0000

[elementaryBot]

You're always able to drag a tab outside the window which opens it in a new window, so I don't see that as an issue. Pantheon-files behaviour seems correct, Terminal and Ephiphany still opens a new window using either slingshot or super+t.

Launchpad Details: #LPC Daan Potter - 2016-08-04 12:24:50 +0000

[elementaryBot]

Also, I can confirm that cmd+t always opens a new terminal.

Launchpad Details: #LPC Zisu Andrei - 2016-08-08 17:51:13 +0000

[cassidyjames]

@elementary/ux what do we want to do here?

[danirabbit]

I'm in favor of enforcing single window :)

[donadigo]

I don't. There are cases where having 2 or more windows open is convinient e.g: you have a client and a server application and you want to see the output of both live. If this is disallowed then we should at least have a split view functionality.

[danirabbit]

Nobody is talking about disallowing having multiple windows. The question is what should the default behavior be when re-launching from Slingshot or using Super + T

[donadigo]

Ah, sorry then, my fault.

[TylerLeonhardt]

Would love to see this happen! I love the look and feel of the terminal, but I I typically only have one window and need some way to show/hide it.

A system wide hot key has been a huge productivity booster for me on macOS and Windows

I'm sure I could use a different terminal, but I don't want to have to :)

[jeremypw]

I would ask that if a second window is opened automatically, then the existing window for that app is raised as well (but below the second window in z order) so that it is obvious that a second window has opened.