# Aether Native Launcher (Electron)

The Aether Native Launcher is a specialized Electron-based shell for the Aether Platform. It provides a secure bridge between the SvelteKit web UI and the local operating system, enabling features restricted by browser sandboxing.

## 🚀 Overview

This application serves as the "Native Mode" runtime for Aether podiums and devices. It handles:
- **Local File Orchestration:** Managed cache for presentation files (PPTx, Keynote, PDF).
- **Automation:** Specialized AppleScript handlers for PowerPoint and Keynote.
- **Hardware Telemetry:** Direct access to CPU, RAM, and Network interface data.
- **Remote Control:** Slide navigation and application control via WebSocket intents.

## ⚙️ Configuration

The application requires a `seed.json` file to identify the device and connect to the Aether API.

### 1. Seed Configuration

**Location: `~/seed.json`** (user's home directory — external to the app bundle by design)

This file is intentionally kept outside the application bundle so it can be edited per-device
without re-signing or repackaging the app. On macOS this is `/Users/<username>/seed.json`.

Create/edit `~/seed.json`:
```json
{
  "event_device_id": "YOUR_DEVICE_ID",
  "aether_api_key": "YOUR_API_KEY",
  "primary_api_base_url": "https://api.yourdomain.com",
  "backup_api_base_url": null
}
```

> **Note:** The `event_device_id` and `aether_api_key` values come from the Aether admin panel
> (Events → Devices). Each physical device gets its own record and key.

### 2. Development Setup
```bash
npm install
npm start        # Compiles TypeScript (tsc) then launches Electron
```

### 3. File Cache Layout

Presentation files are cached locally under `hash_prefix_length`-char subdirectories (default: 2):
```text
[local_file_cache_path]/
  4a/
    4a228ef8ac1a...sha256hash...file
  1d/
    1d720916a831...sha256hash...file
```

**Important:** `hash_prefix_length` must be consistent. If it changes, files in old directories
become orphaned and will be re-downloaded. The default is `2` and should not be changed unless
explicitly coordinated across all devices.

## 🌉 The Native Bridge (`aetherNative`)

The bridge is exposed to the renderer via `contextBridge`. It can be accessed in the web UI via `window.aetherNative`.

### Core Methods

| Method | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `list_tools()` | Returns a JSON manifest of all available native functions. |
| `launch_presentation({path, app})` | Launches a presentation with auto-focus and slideshow start. |
| `control_presentation({app, action})` | Sends `next`, `prev`, `start`, or `stop` to active decks. |
| `open_folder(path)` | Opens a local directory in the OS file explorer. |
| `get_device_info()` | Returns hardware metadata (RAM, IPs, Hostname). |

### Example Usage (UI Relay)
```typescript
import * as native from '$lib/electron/electron_relay';

// Launch a file from local cache
await native.launch_presentation({ 
    path: '[tmp]/my_deck.pptx', 
    app: 'powerpoint' 
});

// Navigate slides
await native.control_presentation({ 
    app: 'powerpoint', 
    action: 'next' 
});
```

## 🛠️ Development

- **Preload:** Logic defined in `src/preload/index.ts`.
- **Handlers:** OS-level logic in `src/main/shell_handlers.ts` and `src/main/file_handlers.ts`.
- **Types:** Shared TypeScript interfaces in `src/shared/types.ts`.