SpaceSniffer: Discover Your Disk Space Allocation

Introduction

SpaceSniffer is an innovative Electron application designed to help users visualize and manage the space allocation on their hard disks efficiently. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, this application offers a user-friendly interface for scanning and understanding how disk space is utilized, making it easier to manage files and storage.

Technologies Used

This project was built using a robust stack of technologies to ensure performance and ease of use:

• TypeScript (TS) for adding static type definitions to JavaScript, enhancing code quality and understandability.
• Electron for creating native applications with web technologies, allowing for cross-platform desktop apps.
• React for building the user interface with a component-based architecture, ensuring a seamless user experience.
• npx create-react-electron-app: A custom boilerplate for Electron projects that integrates React, simplifying the setup and development process. [create-react-electron-app]
• RustDirectorySniffer DLL: A Rust-based dynamic link library that handles the intricate task of sniffing disk space usage. This DLL is critical for accurately analyzing and reporting space allocation on the hard disk. [Rust Directory Sniffer DLL]

What I Have Learned

Throughout the development of SpaceSniffer, I have significantly enhanced my skills in several key areas:

• Electron Development: Gained a deeper understanding of Electron and its capabilities for building desktop applications.
• Using External DLLs in Electron: Learned how to integrate and utilize external DLLs within an Electron application, specifically for complex tasks such as disk space analysis.
• Rust Programming: Acquired foundational knowledge in Rust, focusing on creating efficient, high-performance components like the RustDirectorySniffer DLL.

How to Start

For Development:

1. Clone the project repository.
2. Change directory (cd) into the project folder.
3. Install dependencies with npm install.
4. Start the application in development mode with npm run start.

For Production:

1. Install dependencies with npm install.
2. Package the application using npm run package.
3. Navigate to the release/dist directory.
4. Run the installer found in the directory to install SpaceSniffer on your system.

Features

SpaceSniffer allows users to:

• Select a Drive: Choose the specific drive you wish to scan for space allocation.
• Scan in Real-Time: Begin scanning the selected drive, with the application displaying the space allocation dynamically as it changes during the scan.

Work in Progress (WIP)

Currently, there is a known issue where the application may crash upon starting a scan. Additionally, we are working on implementing a feature to update the live memory allocation chart in real-time during the scanning process. Your patience and contributions to resolving these issues are greatly appreciated.