CEA Batch Manager

A Python Tkinter application to run multiple batch files simultaneously, monitor their output, uptime, and status, and manage them dynamically.

Features

• Run multiple batch files at the same time
• Monitor live output for each batch file in a dedicated console window
• Track uptime and process status (Running, Finished, Error)
• Close or renew running batch processes
• Extract readable batch titles automatically
• Lightweight and standalone GUI application
• Clean, intuitive interface for batch process management

Requirements

• Python 3.8+
• Tkinter (usually included with Python)
• Windows (for taskkill functionality; works on Unix with minor tweaks)

Installation

Option 1: Run from Source

1. Clone this repository:

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/cea-batch-manager.git
cd cea-batch-manager

2. Install dependencies (if needed):

pip install --upgrade pip
# Tkinter usually comes pre-installed with Python
# If not available, on Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt-get install python3-tk

3. Run the application:

python batch_manager.py

Option 2: Compile to Executable

Using PyInstaller (Recommended)

1. Install PyInstaller:

pip install pyinstaller

2. Compile to a single executable:

pyinstaller --onefile --windowed --icon=cea-Logo.ico --name="CEA Batch Manager" batch_manager.py

3. The executable will be created in the dist/ directory

Alternative PyInstaller Commands

• With console (for debugging):

  pyinstaller --onefile --icon=cea-Logo.ico --name="CEA Batch Manager" batch_manager.py

• Create directory instead of single file:

  pyinstaller --windowed --icon=cea-Logo.ico --name="CEA Batch Manager" batch_manager.py

Using Auto-py-to-exe (GUI Alternative)

1. Install the GUI tool:

   pip install auto-py-to-exe

2. Launch the GUI:

   auto-py-to-exe

3. Configure settings:

   • Script: batch_manager.py
   • Onefile: ✅
   • Window Based: ✅
   • Icon: cea-Logo.ico
   • Name: CEA Batch Manager

Usage Guide

Running Batch Files

1. Open and Run Batch File: Click the "Open and Run Batch File" button to select and execute a batch file
2. Monitor Output: Each batch file gets its own output window showing real-time logs
3. Track Status: View the current status (Running, Finished, Error) and uptime for each process

Managing Processes

1. Close Selected Batch: Select a running batch and click "Close Selected Batch" to terminate it
2. Renew All Running: Restart all currently running batch files with a single click

Interface Layout

• Top Bar: Main control buttons for managing batch files
• Upper Panel: List of all batch files with their status and metadata
• Lower Panel: Detailed output console for the selected batch file

Project Structure

cea-batch-manager/
├── batch_manager.py          # Main application code
├── cea-Logo.ico             # Application icon
├── elevated.manifest.xml     # Windows manifest for UAC
├── README.md                 # This documentation
└── .gitignore               # Git ignore rules

Code Overview

Main Components

• BatchRunnerApp: Main Tkinter application class
• Process Management: Handles starting, monitoring, and stopping batch processes
• Threading: Uses separate threads for each batch process to prevent UI freezing
• Output Monitoring: Real-time capture and display of batch file output

Key Functions

• open_and_run(): File dialog to select and execute batch files
• close_selected_batch(): Terminate specific batch processes
• renew_all_running(): Restart all active batch processes
• monitor_process(): Thread function to monitor process output and status

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Icon not loading: Ensure cea-Logo.ico is in the same directory as the executable
2. Permission errors: Run as administrator if batch files require elevated privileges
3. Batch file not found: Use absolute paths or ensure batch files are accessible

Debug Mode

To run with console output for debugging:

python batch_manager.py
# Or compile without --windowed flag
pyinstaller --onefile --icon=cea-Logo.ico batch_manager.py

Building for Distribution

Creating Installer (Optional)

For professional distribution, consider creating an installer:

1. Using Inno Setup (Windows):

   • Download and install Inno Setup
   • Create a script to package the executable and dependencies
   • Generate a professional installer

2. Using NSIS (Alternative):

   • Install NSIS
   • Create installation script
   • Build installer package

Version Management

Update version information in the executable by modifying the PyInstaller command or using version files.

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly
5. Submit a pull request

License

[Add your license information here]

Support

For issues and questions:

• Create an issue on GitHub
• Check the troubleshooting section above
• Review the code comments for additional context