CLI command design

launch

Launch Altium Designer from the CLI, optionally opening a project or document.

Usage

altium-cruncher launch
altium-cruncher launch board.PcbDoc --ad-version AD26
ad board.PcbDoc --ad-version 26

Arguments

file is an optional Altium document or project. When omitted, the command checks the current directory for .PrjPcb files: one project is opened automatically, multiple projects are listed so the user can pass one explicitly, and no project launches Altium Designer without an initial document. --ad-version and --series select a major series such as AD25 or 26. --altium-path accepts an explicit X2.exe path or install root. --dry-run reports the selected command without launching, and --json emits altium_cruncher.launch.a0.

Behavior

Without an explicit version, the command selects the newest discovered install from the same discovery helper used by installs. File launches and auto-detected project launches are routed through the public altium-monkey launcher class with the selected executable path. Empty launches start the selected X2.exe directly. Actual launch requires Windows; non-Windows hosts may still use --dry-run to verify discovery and argument resolution. The standalone ad console script is a shortcut for this launcher command.

Output

Normal output reports the selected install and launch action. JSON output has schema altium_cruncher.launch.a0, the selected install record, optional file path, resolved command array, and dry-run state.

Tests

L0 verifies command registration and help. Installed-wheel smoke tests verify that the ad console script exists and reports the package version. Discovery and selection are covered by the install-helper unit tests, including no-argument launch behavior for zero, one, and multiple local .PrjPcb files.