Make it possible to set default app

dizzy

If not already possible the ability to set default app should be implemented.
I encountered a problem with this when trying out Onion Surf. Onion Surf then became default app and the only way I could revert it was to uninstall Onion Surf.
I think it should be pretty easy to implement that.
But no hurry

arubislander

@dizzy said in Make it possible to set default app:

I think it should be pretty easy to implement that.

In which case PR's are welcome

But seriously though. Implementing this is more work than you think, as the shell has no concept of 'default apps' at this time.

dizzy

@arubislander I would if I could but I only know .NET.
Well, when installing a second browser it where set to be the default app for web browsing, so the function for it seems to be there already. If that setting is saved in a sqlite database its just a matter of a simple CRUD operation, or actually only RU operation. A file might be even easier. Am I wrong?

dizzy

I should also say that I personally dont need this. But I think it should be implemented sooner or later. I guess its expected to work that way.

AppLee

@dizzy said in Make it possible to set default app:

Well, when installing a second browser it where set to be the default app for web browsing, so the function for it seems to be there already. If that setting is saved in a sqlite database its just a matter of a simple CRUD operation, or actually only RU operation. A file might be even easier. Am I wrong?

So many assumptions
Just kidding, but I think it was already discussed when Onion was made available that it being the "default" browser is an unexpected side effect.
It just appears that the hook is set to the latest installed app IIRC.
Edit: I found the thread: https://forums.ubports.com/topic/3997/links-from-webapps-are-opening-in-onion-browser-default-instead-of-morph

Handling this side effect is not as easy as it seems. First it requires to understand what happens and work around it to add a new feature.
Such feature need to be tested a lot as the initial design never intended for another browser to exist.
So back to step 1 and create a design to accomodate multiple browsers.

To explain further why the redesign is a necessary step, that's because patching a workaround is never a good idea.
It increases complexity and therefore the risk of bugs/vulnerabilities/exploits.
A redesign allows for a much simpler code, easier to test, maintain and review.

Also patching frequently increase the binary size and resources usage, a redesign is always better as it can be optimized.

This is why Windows or Android get worse and worse after each update (patch policy)...

dizzy

@applee said in Make it possible to set default app:

many assumptions

Oh, I see. Yes you are right, there where many assumptions. I guess this thread could be removed then, due to there already is another one. I should have searched better.
Thanks for your explaination and the link!

AppLee

@dizzy No problem to keep the thread.
Also it's not a problem to make assumptions and/or mistakes... that how we learn.

It was just me poking around, as I like to say when "one makes an assumption I assume they are wrong". That a kind of "never say never" kind of thing

Cheers

Ian

@applee There is also the saying 'never assume anything, because it makes an ass of u and me.'

But seriously you are right to say we learn from our mistakes. I like this notion, it means that I am very clever

AppLee

@ian Didn't know this one, thank you I'll try to remember it.