Dev Launcher Instructions

Use this skill to create a run-dev.bat that provides a "classic" interactive menu for launching various parts of the development environment.

Workflow

1. •

   Analyze Project & Identify Modes:

   • •Scan package.json, composer.json, requirements.txt, etc.
   • •Identify all distinct services (e.g., Laravel Backend, Vite Frontend, queue worker, DB container).
   • •Dependency Strategy:
     • •Frontend (Node/NPM): Always local (node_modules).
     • •Backend (Python): ALWAYS use a Virtual Environment (venv).
       • •Check if venv exists.
       • •If not, create it: python -m venv venv.
       • •Activate it before running commands: call venv\Scripts\activate.
   • •Define logical Launch Modes:
     • •All: Everything running together.
     • •Frontend Only: e.g., npm run dev.
     • •Backend Only: e.g., venv\Scripts\activate && uvicorn main:app.
     • •Custom: Any other relevant combination.
2. •

   Generate Interactive run-dev.bat:

   • •Create a batch script using CHOICE or set /p to create a retro DOS-style menu.
   • •Style Requirements: Use ASCII borders/headers.
   • •Venv Helper: Include a helper label :check_venv to auto-create venv if missing.

   Template Structure

   batch

   @echo off
   cls
   :menu
   cls
   echo ==================================================
   echo           DEV LAUNCHER :: [Project Name]
   echo ==================================================
   echo.
   echo   [1] Launch ALL (Frontend + Backend)
   echo   [2] Launch Backend Only (Laravel)
   echo   [3] Launch Frontend Only (Vite)
   echo   [4] Launch Queue Worker Only
   echo   [5] Exit
   echo.
   echo ==================================================
   set /p choice="Select an option: "
   
   if "%choice%"=="1" goto launch_all
   if "%choice%"=="2" goto launch_backend
   if "%choice%"=="3" goto launch_frontend
   if "%choice%"=="4" goto launch_queue
   if "%choice%"=="5" exit
   
   echo Invalid choice.
   pause
   goto menu
   
   :launch_all
   echo Launching ALL...
   :: Use 'start' for separate windows or 'concurrently' if available
   start "Backend" php artisan serve
   start "Frontend" npm run dev
   goto end
   
   :launch_backend
   echo Launching Backend...
   php artisan serve
   goto end
   
   :launch_frontend
   echo Launching Frontend...
   npm run dev
   goto end
   
   :launch_queue
   echo Launching Queue...
   php artisan queue:listen
   goto end
   
   :end
   

3. •

   Command Execution Strategy:

   • •For "All" or multi-process modes, prefer npx concurrently if installed, or use start "Title" command to open separate terminal windows.
   • •For single-process modes, run the command directly in the current window (blocking) so Ctrl+C works normally.
4. •

   Verification:

   • •Write the file to run-dev.bat.
   • •Tell the user: "I've created the launcher with a retro menu. Run .\run-dev.bat to try it."