App Store Overview

The App Store in HomeDock OS allows you to explore, configure, and install various applications and services to extend the functionality of your instance. It features a wide range of apps across different categories, with tools for managing media, network, productivity, and more. Below is a guide on how to navigate and use the App Store effectively.

Exploring the App Store

At the top, a series of featured applications are displayed, showcasing popular or recommended tools. Beneath the featured apps, you have a full list of available applications, each with its name, icon, and a brief description.

Filtering and Searching for Apps

To find an application quickly, you can:

• Filter by Category: Use the category tags below the search bar to filter applications by type, such as “Developer Tools,” “Files & Productivity,” “Gaming,” etc. Clicking on a category will only show apps relevant to that specific area.
• Search by Name: Enter keywords in the search bar to locate an app by its name or function.

Special thanks to Eladio Rincón for his valuable support and insightful feedback on this App Store feature.

Application Details

Clicking on an app provides more detailed information, including:

• Description: An overview of what the app does.
• Volumes: Directory paths that specify where the application will store data, configurations, or other files. Most of them are mapped by default to /DATA/AppData/ApplicationName or /DATA/AppFolders/ApplicationName to avoid conflicts.
• Ports: Specifies the networking ports required by the application, essential for ensuring proper accessibility and network configuration. To prevent conflicts, ensure that each application uses unique ports, as sharing the same port can lead to interruptions in application service.

Note

Depending on the underlying operating system, volumes are mapped to different locations by default, you can change them before installing the application or after installation by modifying the config on Control Hub + Recreate Application:

• Linux: By default, volumes are mapped to/DATA/AppData/{appName} or /DATA/AppFolders/{appName}.

  volumes:
    - /DATA/HomeDock/AppData/{appName}:/path
    - /DATA/HomeDock/AppFolders/{appName}:/path

• macOS: Volumes are typically mapped to {macOsUserHome}/HomeDock/AppData/{appName} or {macOsUserHome}/HomeDock/AppFolders/{appName}.

  volumes:
    - /Users/macOSUsername/HomeDock/AppData/{appName}:/path
    - /Users/macOSUsername/HomeDock/AppFolders/{appName}:/path

• Windows: Volumes are usually mapped using Docker Compose to //c/HomeDock/AppData/{appName} or //c/HomeDock/AppFolders/{appName}. For example:

  volumes:
    - //c/HomeDock/AppData/{appName}:/path
    - //c/HomeDock/AppFolders/{appName}:/path

Installing Applications

When you click the Install button, a redesigned configuration panel appears with an intuitive grid-based layout (introduced in version 2.0.3.142):

Screenshot Previews

• Visual Gallery: View application screenshots before installation with smooth drag-to-scroll navigation
• Fullscreen Viewer: Click any screenshot to open fullscreen mode with keyboard navigation (arrow keys and ESC)
• Better Preview: Helps you understand the application’s interface before installation

Installation Configuration

The new installation interface provides comprehensive configuration options:

_{Version 2.0.3.142 completely redesigned the installation workflow with an intuitive grid-based interface that gives you full control over every aspect of your application deployment.}

Port Configuration

• Port Validation: Automatic conflict detection before installation
• Conflict Resolution: Shows which application is using a conflicting port with clear error messages
• Multi-Port Support: Configure all ports for multi-service applications
• Smart Defaults: Pre-configured with recommended port settings

Caution

You will not be able to deploy an application on a port that’s already in use by HomeDock OS or another App Store application. The system validates all ports before installation to prevent conflicts.

Volume Management

• Path Configuration: Customize volume mount paths before installation
• Directory Creation: Automatic creation of required directories
• Multi-Volume Support: Configure multiple volumes for complex applications

Environment Variables

• Variable Editor: Configure container environment variables directly from the installation dialog
• Validation: Ensures required environment variables are set
• Secure Entry: Sensitive values can be entered securely

Network Configuration

• Network Mode Selector: Choose between:
  • HomeDock OS Network (Default): Bridge-like network with better naming
  • Bridge: Standard Docker bridge network
  • Host: Direct host networking (disables port mapping)
  • None: No networking
  • Custom: Specify a custom network
• Multi-Service Support: Group-aware configuration for applications with multiple services
• Automatic Cleanup: Networks are properly removed on uninstall while preserving system networks

Capabilities Management

• CAP_ADD Configuration: Add Linux capabilities required by the container
• Privileged Mode: Option to run container in privileged mode when necessary
• Security Awareness: Clear indication when security-sensitive options are selected

Advanced Features

• Docker Compose Editor: For users who need complete control, access the full Docker Compose configuration
• Syntax Validation: Ensures your compose file is valid before deployment
• Custom Modifications: Make any advanced changes needed for your specific setup

Enhanced Notifications

The installation process features a new themed notification system:

• Progress Updates: Real-time status during installation
• Success Confirmation: Clear feedback when installation completes
• Error Reporting: Detailed error messages if installation fails
• Theme Integration: Notifications properly integrate with all three themes (Default, Noir, Aero+)

SSL Support Detection

The App Store now indicates native SSL support:

• SSL Status Badge: Shows if an application supports SSL natively
• Auto-Configuration: SSL-compatible apps can inherit certificates from /DATA/SSLCerts
• Automatic Detection: System retrieves SSL environment dynamically

_{The App Store handles SSL certificate configuration automatically for compatible applications, inheriting from your system certificates for seamless secure deployments.}

Managing Installed Applications

Once installed, applications can be controlled from the Control Hub. You can start, stop, restart, update, or uninstall each app as needed, ensuring optimal performance and resource management.

Application Updates

Version 2.0.2.144 introduced comprehensive update tracking:

• Automatic Detection: Background thread scans for updates every 6 hours
• Update Indicator: Taskbar shows how many apps have updates available
• Smart Comparison: Uses manifest digests for accurate update detection
• Filtered Updates: Excludes dependency containers from update notifications

_{HomeDock OS automatically monitors for application updates every 6 hours, keeping you informed through the taskbar without requiring manual checks.}

Custom Packages

Starting with version 2.0.2.144, the App Store seamlessly displays both official HomeDock OS apps and custom packages created with the Packager app:

• Unified Interface: Browse official and custom apps together
• Same Features: Install and manage custom packages like official apps
• User Packages: Custom packages are stored in _user_packages/ directory
• Easy Distribution: Share .hds packages across HomeDock OS instances

_{The App Store seamlessly integrates official applications with custom packages, providing a unified experience for discovering and installing any software on your HomeDock OS instance.}

See the Packager Overview for more details on creating and managing custom packages.