XML path searching (where to look for applications & simulations)
Once we know which paths to scan for INIshell config files it's easy to add them to a list in WorkflowPanel.cc: WorkflowPanel::getSearchDirs().
The way it works now is that it scans a list of directories, some that we choose and some that Qt chooses. goes in ""Applications"", in ""Simulations"". The items are separated by folder info labels (where they were found). Multiples (e. g. relative and absolute paths) are ignored.
In addition, the user can set via the context menu one folder for the applications, and one for the simulations (leftover from the way it started) that will also be scanned. If nothing is found, an info entry is displayed.
Now we need to find a way to generalize this.
option 1) Have a list of files in the settings window the user can maintain. Simple and easy to understand if explained, but needs interaction. option 2) Add a button that opens the context menu (or a different one to keep the ""hidden"" main one for expert settings), and let the user choose a folder (like it is now). Add that folder to a growing list of directories that will be searched. Needs no interaction, but logic for cleanup. option 3) There is no difference in the logic between applications and simulations, it's only the XML tag and everything is already written that they will query settings with their tags. So, it would be relatively easy to make the ApplicationsView panel a dynamic one that can be configured in the part of the XML.
effort: 1-2 days when we know for sure how to proceed