[feature request] Ability to run multiple instances of ElectronIM, each with their own tab groups

[TheBeardOfTruth]

It would be nice to be able to define multiple windows in addition to tabs, each with their own tabs. Ideally with the ability to close/reopen them independently.

I could not figure out any way to do this as the software currently functions, might be possibly by abusing snap or docker instances but I do not wish to pursue that method.

[Jan9103]

Hi. Question: would it be good enough if the instance selection happened using a environmental variable (start with ELECTRONIM_APP_DIR=.electronim2 electronim)?
You could write a second application entry to get a second "app" if you use a Desktop Environment.

if yes this should probably do the job (can't test it right now since v102 broke my buildscript):

diff --git a/src/settings/index.js b/src/settings/index.js
index 727d8bf..fd26b2f 100644
--- a/src/settings/index.js
+++ b/src/settings/index.js
@@ -19,8 +19,9 @@ const path = require('path');
 const HOME_DIR = require('os').homedir();
 const {CLOSE_BUTTON_BEHAVIORS} = require('../constants');
 const {showDialog} = require('../base-window');
+const {env} = require('node:process');

-const APP_DIR = '.electronim';
+const APP_DIR = env.ELECTRONIM_APP_DIR || '.electronim';
 const SETTINGS_FILE = 'settings.json';
 const DEFAULT_SETTINGS = {
   tabs: [],

[TheBeardOfTruth]

It's much better than nothing, but it'd get a bit tedious past 2-3 instances (it would be much more convenient to be able to do this via the GUI), I'll evaluate this solution for my use-case.

[manusa]

Besides the multiple windows, I assume that your expected behavior would be that each window shared an isolated context for its tabs (unless the tab is sandboxed). Right?

Could you also please elaborate on your use-case? (My assumption is that you might want this to have a different window for separate contexts -home, work, etc.-)

[TheBeardOfTruth]

Yes, and that they can be closed independently of each other without bringing down electronIM as a whole.

Your assumption is correct.