Merge branch 'main' into feat/native-start-panel-167

Replace QWebEngineView-based start page with a rich native Qt panel that
fetches items directly from the Silo REST API. QWebEngineView is not
available on conda-forge for Qt6.

Start panel features:
- Database Items list with search (from SiloClient.list_items)
- Recent Files list from FreeCAD preferences
- Real-time Activity Feed via SSE (SiloEventListener)
- Context menu: Open in Create, Open in Browser, Copy Part Number
- Open in Browser button (QDesktopServices)
- Catppuccin Mocha dark theme styling

URL scheme support:
- handle_kindred_url() function for kindred://item/{part_number} URLs
- Startup hook in InitGui.py for cold-start URL arguments

Closes #167

freecad/InitGui.py

@@ -35,19 +35,9 @@ class SiloWorkbench(FreeCADGui.Workbench):
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Could not register Silo origin: {e}\n")
 
-        self.toolbar_commands = [
-            "Silo_ToggleMode",
-            "Separator",
-            "Silo_Open",
-            "Silo_New",
-            "Silo_Save",
-            "Silo_Commit",
-            "Silo_Pull",
-            "Silo_Push",
-        ]
-
-        # Menu has management/admin commands (file commands are in File menu
-        # via the Create module's SiloMenuManipulator)
+        # Silo menu provides admin/management commands.
+        # File operations (New/Open/Save) are handled by the standard File
+        # toolbar via the origin system -- no separate Silo toolbar needed.
         self.menu_commands = [
             "Silo_Info",
             "Silo_BOM",
@@ -57,15 +47,16 @@ class SiloWorkbench(FreeCADGui.Workbench):
             "Separator",
             "Silo_Settings",
             "Silo_Auth",
+            "Silo_StartPanel",
+            "Silo_Diag",
         ]
 
-        self.appendToolbar("Silo", self.toolbar_commands)
         self.appendMenu("Silo", self.menu_commands)
 
     def Activated(self):
         """Called when workbench is activated."""
         FreeCAD.Console.PrintMessage("Kindred Silo workbench activated\n")
-        self._show_shortcut_recommendations()
+        FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_StartPanel", 0)
 
     def Deactivated(self):
         pass
@@ -73,41 +64,34 @@ class SiloWorkbench(FreeCADGui.Workbench):
     def GetClassName(self):
         return "Gui::PythonWorkbench"
 
-    def _show_shortcut_recommendations(self):
-        """Show keyboard shortcut recommendations dialog on first activation."""
-        try:
-            param_group = FreeCAD.ParamGet(
-                "User parameter:BaseApp/Preferences/Mod/KindredSilo"
-            )
-            if param_group.GetBool("ShortcutsShown", False):
-                return
-            param_group.SetBool("ShortcutsShown", True)
-
-            from PySide import QtGui
-
-            msg = """<h3>Welcome to Kindred Silo!</h3>
-<p>For the best experience, set up these keyboard shortcuts:</p>
-<table style="margin: 10px 0;">
-<tr><td><b>Ctrl+O</b></td><td> - </td><td>Silo_Open (Search & Open)</td></tr>
-<tr><td><b>Ctrl+N</b></td><td> - </td><td>Silo_New (Register new item)</td></tr>
-<tr><td><b>Ctrl+S</b></td><td> - </td><td>Silo_Save (Save & upload)</td></tr>
-<tr><td><b>Ctrl+Shift+S</b></td><td> - </td><td>Silo_Commit (Save with comment)</td></tr>
-</table>
-<p><b>To set shortcuts:</b> Tools > Customize > Keyboard</p>
-<p style="color: #888;">This message appears once.</p>"""
-
-            dialog = QtGui.QMessageBox()
-            dialog.setWindowTitle("Silo Keyboard Shortcuts")
-            dialog.setTextFormat(QtGui.Qt.RichText)
-            dialog.setText(msg)
-            dialog.setIcon(QtGui.QMessageBox.Information)
-            dialog.addButton("Set Up Now", QtGui.QMessageBox.AcceptRole)
-            dialog.addButton("Later", QtGui.QMessageBox.RejectRole)
-            if dialog.exec_() == 0:
-                FreeCADGui.runCommand("Std_DlgCustomize", 0)
-        except Exception as e:
-            FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning("Silo shortcuts dialog: " + str(e) + "\n")
-
 
 FreeCADGui.addWorkbench(SiloWorkbench())
 FreeCAD.Console.PrintMessage("Silo workbench registered\n")
+
+# Override the Start page with Silo-aware version (must happen before
+# the C++ StartLauncher fires at ~100ms after GUI init)
+try:
+    import silo_start
+
+    silo_start.register()
+except Exception as e:
+    FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Silo Start page override failed: {e}\n")
+
+
+# Handle kindred:// URLs passed as command-line arguments on cold start.
+# Delayed to run after the GUI is fully initialised and the Silo addon has
+# loaded its client/sync objects.
+def _handle_startup_urls():
+    """Process any kindred:// URLs passed as command-line arguments."""
+    import sys
+
+    from silo_commands import handle_kindred_url
+
+    for arg in sys.argv[1:]:
+        if arg.startswith("kindred://"):
+            handle_kindred_url(arg)
+
+
+from PySide import QtCore
+
+QtCore.QTimer.singleShot(500, _handle_startup_urls)

freecad/resources/icons/silo-rollback.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#cba6f7" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">
+  <!-- Counter-clockwise arrow -->
+  <polyline points="1 4 1 10 7 10" stroke="#f38ba8"/>
+  <path d="M3.51 15a9 9 0 1 0 2.13-9.36L1 10" stroke="#cba6f7"/>
+  <!-- Clock hands -->
+  <line x1="12" y1="7" x2="12" y2="12" stroke="#89dceb" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+  <line x1="12" y1="12" x2="15" y2="14" stroke="#89dceb" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+</svg>

freecad/resources/icons/silo-status.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#cba6f7" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">
+  <!-- Shield shape -->
+  <path d="M12 22s8-4 8-10V5l-8-3-8 3v7c0 6 8 10 8 10z" fill="#313244"/>
+  <!-- Status bars -->
+  <line x1="8" y1="10" x2="16" y2="10" stroke="#a6e3a1" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+  <line x1="8" y1="14" x2="13" y2="14" stroke="#89dceb" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+</svg>

freecad/resources/icons/silo-tag.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#cba6f7" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">
+  <!-- Tag shape -->
+  <path d="M20.59 13.41l-7.17 7.17a2 2 0 0 1-2.83 0L2 12V2h10l8.59 8.59a2 2 0 0 1 0 2.82z" fill="#313244"/>
+  <!-- Tag hole -->
+  <circle cx="7" cy="7" r="1.5" fill="#cba6f7" stroke="none"/>
+</svg>

freecad/silo_origin.py

@@ -11,8 +11,7 @@ providing the standardized origin interface.
 
 import FreeCAD
 import FreeCADGui
-
-from .silo_commands import (
+from silo_commands import (
     _client,
     _sync,
     collect_document_properties,
@@ -300,9 +299,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             Created App.Document or None
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_New")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_New")
             return FreeCAD.ActiveDocument
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo new document failed: {e}\n")
@@ -323,9 +320,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
         if not identity:
             # No identity - show search dialog
             try:
-                cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Open")
-                if cmd:
-                    cmd.Activated()
+                FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Open")
                 return FreeCAD.ActiveDocument
             except Exception as e:
                 FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo open failed: {e}\n")
@@ -355,9 +350,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             Opened App.Document or None
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Open")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Open")
             return FreeCAD.ActiveDocument
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo open failed: {e}\n")
@@ -399,8 +392,10 @@ class SiloOrigin:
                 obj.SiloPartNumber, str(file_path), properties, comment=""
             )
 
-            # Clear modified flag
-            doc.Modified = False
+            # Clear modified flag (Modified is on Gui.Document, not App.Document)
+            gui_doc = FreeCADGui.getDocument(doc.Name)
+            if gui_doc:
+                gui_doc.Modified = False
 
             return True
         except Exception as e:
@@ -474,10 +469,8 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             True if command was executed
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Commit")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
-                return True
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Commit")
+            return True
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo commit failed: {e}\n")
         return False
@@ -494,10 +487,8 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             True if command was executed
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Pull")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
-                return True
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Pull")
+            return True
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo pull failed: {e}\n")
         return False
@@ -514,10 +505,8 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             True if command was executed
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Push")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
-                return True
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Push")
+            return True
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo push failed: {e}\n")
         return False
@@ -531,9 +520,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             doc: FreeCAD App.Document
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Info")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Info")
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo info failed: {e}\n")
 
@@ -546,9 +533,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             doc: FreeCAD App.Document
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_BOM")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_BOM")
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo BOM failed: {e}\n")
 

freecad/silo_start.py

@@ -0,0 +1,667 @@
+"""Silo Start Page — native Qt start view for Kindred Create.
+
+Replaces the default Start page with a rich native panel that fetches data
+from the Silo REST API, shows real-time activity via SSE, and provides quick
+access to database items and recent local files.
+
+The command override is activated by calling ``register()`` at module level
+from InitGui.py, which overwrites the C++ ``Start_Start`` command.
+"""
+
+import os
+from datetime import datetime
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import FreeCAD
+import FreeCADGui
+from PySide import QtCore, QtGui, QtWidgets
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Catppuccin Mocha palette
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+_MOCHA = {
+    "base": "#1e1e2e",
+    "mantle": "#181825",
+    "crust": "#11111b",
+    "surface0": "#313244",
+    "surface1": "#45475a",
+    "surface2": "#585b70",
+    "text": "#cdd6f4",
+    "subtext0": "#a6adc8",
+    "subtext1": "#bac2de",
+    "blue": "#89b4fa",
+    "green": "#a6e3a1",
+    "red": "#f38ba8",
+    "peach": "#fab387",
+    "lavender": "#b4befe",
+    "overlay0": "#6c7086",
+}
+
+_PREF_GROUP = "User parameter:BaseApp/Preferences/Mod/KindredSilo"
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Helpers
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def _get_silo_base_url() -> str:
+    """Return the Silo web UI root URL (without /api)."""
+    param = FreeCAD.ParamGet(_PREF_GROUP)
+    url = param.GetString("ApiUrl", "")
+    if not url:
+        url = os.environ.get("SILO_API_URL", "http://localhost:8080/api")
+    url = url.rstrip("/")
+    if url.endswith("/api"):
+        url = url[:-4]
+    return url
+
+
+def _get_recent_files() -> list:
+    """Read recent files from FreeCAD preferences."""
+    group = FreeCAD.ParamGet("User parameter:BaseApp/Preferences/RecentFiles")
+    count = group.GetInt("RecentFiles", 0)
+    files = []
+    for i in range(count):
+        path = group.GetString(f"MRU{i}", "")
+        if path and os.path.exists(path):
+            p = Path(path)
+            mtime = datetime.fromtimestamp(p.stat().st_mtime)
+            files.append({"path": str(p), "name": p.name, "modified": mtime})
+    return files
+
+
+def _relative_time(dt: datetime) -> str:
+    """Format a datetime as a human-friendly relative string."""
+    now = datetime.now()
+    diff = now - dt
+    seconds = int(diff.total_seconds())
+    if seconds < 60:
+        return "just now"
+    minutes = seconds // 60
+    if minutes < 60:
+        return f"{minutes}m ago"
+    hours = minutes // 60
+    if hours < 24:
+        return f"{hours}h ago"
+    days = hours // 24
+    if days < 30:
+        return f"{days}d ago"
+    return dt.strftime("%Y-%m-%d")
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Stylesheet
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+_STYLESHEET = f"""
+SiloStartView {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["base"]};
+}}
+
+/* --- Status banner --- */
+#SiloStatusBanner {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    border-radius: 8px;
+}}
+#SiloStatusBanner QLabel {{
+    color: {_MOCHA["text"]};
+    font-size: 13px;
+}}
+#SiloStatusBanner QPushButton {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["blue"]};
+    color: {_MOCHA["crust"]};
+    border: none;
+    border-radius: 4px;
+    padding: 6px 12px;
+    font-weight: bold;
+    font-size: 12px;
+}}
+#SiloStatusBanner QPushButton:hover {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["lavender"]};
+}}
+
+/* --- Section headers --- */
+.SiloSectionHeader {{
+    color: {_MOCHA["text"]};
+    font-size: 14px;
+    font-weight: bold;
+}}
+
+/* --- Search field --- */
+#SiloSearchField {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    border: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface1"]};
+    border-radius: 4px;
+    padding: 6px 10px;
+    color: {_MOCHA["text"]};
+    font-size: 13px;
+}}
+#SiloSearchField:focus {{
+    border-color: {_MOCHA["blue"]};
+}}
+
+/* --- List widgets --- */
+.SiloList {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["mantle"]};
+    border: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    border-radius: 6px;
+    padding: 4px;
+}}
+.SiloList::item {{
+    padding: 8px 10px;
+    border-bottom: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    color: {_MOCHA["text"]};
+}}
+.SiloList::item:last {{
+    border-bottom: none;
+}}
+.SiloList::item:hover {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+}}
+.SiloList::item:selected {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["surface1"]};
+}}
+
+/* --- Activity feed --- */
+#SiloActivityFeed {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["mantle"]};
+    border: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    border-radius: 6px;
+    padding: 4px;
+}}
+#SiloActivityFeed::item {{
+    padding: 6px 10px;
+    border-bottom: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    color: {_MOCHA["subtext0"]};
+    font-size: 12px;
+}}
+#SiloActivityFeed::item:last {{
+    border-bottom: none;
+}}
+
+/* --- Footer checkbox --- */
+QCheckBox {{
+    color: {_MOCHA["subtext0"]};
+    font-size: 12px;
+}}
+QCheckBox::indicator {{
+    width: 14px;
+    height: 14px;
+}}
+"""
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Main start view
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+class SiloStartView(QtWidgets.QWidget):
+    """Native Qt start page with Silo database items, recent files, and
+    real-time activity feed."""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setObjectName("SiloStartView")
+
+        self._silo_url = _get_silo_base_url()
+        self._connected = False
+        self._event_listener = None
+        self._activity_events = []  # list of (datetime, text) tuples
+        self._silo_imported = False
+        self._silo_cmds = None  # lazy ref to silo_commands module
+
+        self._build_ui()
+        self.setStyleSheet(_STYLESHEET)
+
+        # Debounce timer for search
+        self._search_timer = QtCore.QTimer(self)
+        self._search_timer.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._search_timer.setInterval(300)
+        self._search_timer.timeout.connect(self._refresh_items)
+
+        # Periodic refresh
+        self._poll_timer = QtCore.QTimer(self)
+        self._poll_timer.setInterval(30000)
+        self._poll_timer.timeout.connect(self._periodic_refresh)
+        self._poll_timer.start()
+
+        # Initial load after event loop starts
+        QtCore.QTimer.singleShot(100, self._initial_load)
+
+    # -- lazy import --------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _silo(self):
+        """Lazy-import silo_commands to avoid circular import at module load."""
+        if not self._silo_imported:
+            try:
+                import silo_commands
+
+                self._silo_cmds = silo_commands
+            except Exception as e:
+                FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Silo Start: cannot import silo_commands: {e}\n")
+                self._silo_cmds = None
+            self._silo_imported = True
+        return self._silo_cmds
+
+    # -- UI construction ----------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _build_ui(self):
+        root = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(self)
+        root.setContentsMargins(32, 24, 32, 16)
+        root.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # --- Status banner ---
+        banner = QtWidgets.QFrame()
+        banner.setObjectName("SiloStatusBanner")
+        banner_layout = QtWidgets.QHBoxLayout(banner)
+        banner_layout.setContentsMargins(16, 10, 16, 10)
+
+        self._status_icon = QtWidgets.QLabel()
+        self._status_icon.setFixedSize(12, 12)
+        banner_layout.addWidget(self._status_icon)
+
+        self._status_label = QtWidgets.QLabel("Checking Silo connection...")
+        self._status_label.setWordWrap(True)
+        banner_layout.addWidget(self._status_label, 1)
+
+        self._browser_btn = QtWidgets.QPushButton("Open in Browser")
+        self._browser_btn.setFixedWidth(130)
+        self._browser_btn.setCursor(QtCore.Qt.PointingHandCursor)
+        self._browser_btn.clicked.connect(self._open_in_browser)
+        banner_layout.addWidget(self._browser_btn)
+
+        self._retry_btn = QtWidgets.QPushButton("Retry")
+        self._retry_btn.setFixedWidth(70)
+        self._retry_btn.setCursor(QtCore.Qt.PointingHandCursor)
+        self._retry_btn.clicked.connect(self._initial_load)
+        self._retry_btn.hide()
+        banner_layout.addWidget(self._retry_btn)
+
+        root.addWidget(banner)
+        root.addSpacing(20)
+
+        # --- Main content: items (left) + recent files (right) ---
+        content_splitter = QtWidgets.QSplitter(QtCore.Qt.Horizontal)
+        content_splitter.setHandleWidth(12)
+        content_splitter.setStyleSheet(
+            f"QSplitter::handle {{ background-color: {_MOCHA['base']}; }}"
+        )
+
+        # Left: Database Items
+        left = QtWidgets.QWidget()
+        left_layout = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(left)
+        left_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        left_layout.setSpacing(8)
+
+        items_header = QtWidgets.QLabel("Database Items")
+        items_header.setProperty("class", "SiloSectionHeader")
+        left_layout.addWidget(items_header)
+
+        self._search_field = QtWidgets.QLineEdit()
+        self._search_field.setObjectName("SiloSearchField")
+        self._search_field.setPlaceholderText("Search items...")
+        self._search_field.textChanged.connect(self._on_search_changed)
+        left_layout.addWidget(self._search_field)
+
+        self._items_list = QtWidgets.QListWidget()
+        self._items_list.setProperty("class", "SiloList")
+        self._items_list.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(QtCore.Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
+        self._items_list.itemDoubleClicked.connect(self._on_item_double_clicked)
+        self._items_list.setContextMenuPolicy(QtCore.Qt.CustomContextMenu)
+        self._items_list.customContextMenuRequested.connect(self._on_item_context_menu)
+        left_layout.addWidget(self._items_list, 1)
+
+        content_splitter.addWidget(left)
+
+        # Right: Recent Files
+        right = QtWidgets.QWidget()
+        right_layout = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(right)
+        right_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        right_layout.setSpacing(8)
+
+        recent_header = QtWidgets.QLabel("Recent Files")
+        recent_header.setProperty("class", "SiloSectionHeader")
+        right_layout.addWidget(recent_header)
+
+        self._file_list = QtWidgets.QListWidget()
+        self._file_list.setProperty("class", "SiloList")
+        self._file_list.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(QtCore.Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
+        self._file_list.itemDoubleClicked.connect(self._on_file_clicked)
+        right_layout.addWidget(self._file_list, 1)
+
+        content_splitter.addWidget(right)
+        content_splitter.setStretchFactor(0, 3)
+        content_splitter.setStretchFactor(1, 2)
+
+        root.addWidget(content_splitter, 1)
+        root.addSpacing(12)
+
+        # --- Activity Feed (bottom) ---
+        activity_header = QtWidgets.QLabel("Activity")
+        activity_header.setProperty("class", "SiloSectionHeader")
+        root.addWidget(activity_header)
+        root.addSpacing(6)
+
+        self._activity_list = QtWidgets.QListWidget()
+        self._activity_list.setObjectName("SiloActivityFeed")
+        self._activity_list.setMaximumHeight(140)
+        self._activity_list.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(QtCore.Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
+        root.addWidget(self._activity_list)
+        root.addSpacing(12)
+
+        # --- Footer ---
+        footer = QtWidgets.QHBoxLayout()
+        footer.addStretch()
+        self._startup_cb = QtWidgets.QCheckBox("Don't show this page on startup")
+        start_prefs = FreeCAD.ParamGet("User parameter:BaseApp/Preferences/Mod/Start")
+        show = start_prefs.GetBool("ShowOnStartup", True)
+        self._startup_cb.setChecked(not show)
+        self._startup_cb.toggled.connect(self._on_startup_toggled)
+        footer.addWidget(self._startup_cb)
+        root.addLayout(footer)
+
+    # -- data loading -------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _initial_load(self):
+        """First-time data load and SSE connection."""
+        self._refresh_status()
+        self._refresh_items()
+        self._refresh_recent_files()
+        self._start_sse()
+
+    def _periodic_refresh(self):
+        """Periodic refresh of items and connection status."""
+        self._refresh_status()
+        self._refresh_items()
+        self._refresh_recent_files()
+
+    def _refresh_status(self):
+        """Update the connection status banner."""
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if sc is None:
+            self._set_status(False, "Silo addon not available")
+            return
+
+        try:
+            reachable, _ = sc._client.check_connection()
+        except Exception:
+            reachable = False
+
+        self._silo_url = _get_silo_base_url()
+        if reachable:
+            self._set_status(True, f"Connected to {self._silo_url}")
+        else:
+            self._set_status(False, f"Cannot reach {self._silo_url}")
+
+    def _set_status(self, connected: bool, message: str):
+        self._connected = connected
+        if connected:
+            self._status_icon.setStyleSheet(
+                f"background-color: {_MOCHA['green']}; border-radius: 6px;"
+            )
+            self._retry_btn.hide()
+            self._browser_btn.show()
+        else:
+            self._status_icon.setStyleSheet(
+                f"background-color: {_MOCHA['red']}; border-radius: 6px;"
+            )
+            self._retry_btn.show()
+            self._browser_btn.hide()
+        self._status_label.setText(message)
+
+    def _refresh_items(self):
+        """Fetch items from Silo API and populate the items list."""
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if sc is None:
+            return
+
+        self._items_list.clear()
+        search = self._search_field.text().strip()
+
+        try:
+            if search:
+                items = sc._client.list_items(search=search)
+            else:
+                items = sc._client.list_items()
+        except Exception:
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem("(Unable to fetch items)")
+            item.setFlags(QtCore.Qt.NoItemFlags)
+            self._items_list.addItem(item)
+            return
+
+        if not isinstance(items, list) or not items:
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem("(No items found)")
+            item.setFlags(QtCore.Qt.NoItemFlags)
+            self._items_list.addItem(item)
+            return
+
+        # Collect local part numbers for badge
+        local_pns = set()
+        try:
+            for lf in sc.search_local_files():
+                local_pns.add(lf.get("part_number", ""))
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        for entry in items[:30]:
+            pn = entry.get("part_number", "")
+            desc = entry.get("description", "")
+            rev = entry.get("current_revision", "")
+
+            desc_display = desc
+            if len(desc_display) > 50:
+                desc_display = desc_display[:47] + "..."
+
+            local_badge = "  [local]" if pn in local_pns else ""
+            rev_part = f"  Rev {rev}" if rev else ""
+            label = f"{pn} \u2014 {desc_display}{rev_part}{local_badge}"
+
+            list_item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem(label)
+            list_item.setData(QtCore.Qt.UserRole, pn)
+            if desc and len(desc) > 50:
+                list_item.setToolTip(desc)
+            if pn in local_pns:
+                list_item.setForeground(QtGui.QColor(_MOCHA["green"]))
+            self._items_list.addItem(list_item)
+
+    def _refresh_recent_files(self):
+        """Populate the recent files list."""
+        self._file_list.clear()
+        files = _get_recent_files()
+        if not files:
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem("(No recent files)")
+            item.setFlags(QtCore.Qt.NoItemFlags)
+            self._file_list.addItem(item)
+            return
+        for f in files:
+            label = f"{f['name']}\n{_relative_time(f['modified'])}"
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem(label)
+            item.setData(QtCore.Qt.UserRole, f["path"])
+            item.setToolTip(f["path"])
+            self._file_list.addItem(item)
+
+    # -- SSE ----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _start_sse(self):
+        """Connect to SSE for live activity updates."""
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if sc is None:
+            return
+
+        if self._event_listener is not None:
+            return  # already running
+
+        try:
+            self._event_listener = sc.SiloEventListener()
+            self._event_listener.item_updated.connect(self._on_sse_item_updated)
+            self._event_listener.revision_created.connect(self._on_sse_revision_created)
+            self._event_listener.connection_status.connect(self._on_sse_status)
+            self._event_listener.start()
+        except Exception as e:
+            FreeCAD.Console.PrintLog(f"Silo Start: SSE listener failed to start: {e}\n")
+
+    def _stop_sse(self):
+        """Stop SSE listener when the view is destroyed."""
+        if self._event_listener is not None:
+            self._event_listener.stop()
+            self._event_listener = None
+
+    def _on_sse_item_updated(self, part_number: str):
+        self._add_activity_event(f"{part_number} updated")
+        self._refresh_items()
+
+    def _on_sse_revision_created(self, part_number: str, revision: int):
+        self._add_activity_event(f"{part_number} Rev {revision} created")
+        self._refresh_items()
+
+    def _on_sse_status(self, status: str, retry: int, error: str):
+        if status == "connected":
+            FreeCAD.Console.PrintLog("Silo Start: SSE connected\n")
+        elif status == "disconnected":
+            FreeCAD.Console.PrintLog(f"Silo Start: SSE disconnected (retry {retry}): {error}\n")
+
+    def _add_activity_event(self, text: str):
+        """Add an event to the activity feed."""
+        now = datetime.now()
+        self._activity_events.insert(0, (now, text))
+        self._activity_events = self._activity_events[:20]
+        self._rebuild_activity_feed()
+
+    def _rebuild_activity_feed(self):
+        """Rebuild the activity list widget from stored events."""
+        self._activity_list.clear()
+        if not self._activity_events:
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem("(No recent activity)")
+            item.setFlags(QtCore.Qt.NoItemFlags)
+            self._activity_list.addItem(item)
+            return
+        for ts, text in self._activity_events:
+            label = f"{text}  \u00b7  {_relative_time(ts)}"
+            self._activity_list.addItem(label)
+
+    # -- interaction --------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _on_search_changed(self, _text: str):
+        """Debounce search input."""
+        self._search_timer.start()
+
+    def _on_item_double_clicked(self, item: QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem):
+        pn = item.data(QtCore.Qt.UserRole)
+        if not pn:
+            return
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if sc is None:
+            return
+        local_path = sc.find_file_by_part_number(pn)
+        if local_path and local_path.exists():
+            FreeCAD.openDocument(str(local_path))
+        else:
+            sc._sync.open_item(pn)
+
+    def _on_item_context_menu(self, pos):
+        item = self._items_list.itemAt(pos)
+        if item is None:
+            return
+        pn = item.data(QtCore.Qt.UserRole)
+        if not pn:
+            return
+
+        menu = QtWidgets.QMenu()
+        open_action = menu.addAction("Open in Create")
+        browser_action = menu.addAction("Open in Browser")
+        copy_action = menu.addAction("Copy Part Number")
+
+        action = menu.exec_(self._items_list.mapToGlobal(pos))
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if action == open_action:
+            if sc:
+                local_path = sc.find_file_by_part_number(pn)
+                if local_path and local_path.exists():
+                    FreeCAD.openDocument(str(local_path))
+                else:
+                    sc._sync.open_item(pn)
+        elif action == browser_action:
+            url = f"{_get_silo_base_url()}/items/{pn}"
+            QtGui.QDesktopServices.openUrl(QtCore.QUrl(url))
+        elif action == copy_action:
+            QtWidgets.QApplication.clipboard().setText(pn)
+
+    def _on_file_clicked(self, item: QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem):
+        path = item.data(QtCore.Qt.UserRole)
+        if path:
+            try:
+                FreeCADGui.open(path)
+            except Exception as e:
+                FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo Start: failed to open {path}: {e}\n")
+
+    def _open_in_browser(self):
+        """Open Silo web UI in the system browser."""
+        url = _get_silo_base_url()
+        QtGui.QDesktopServices.openUrl(QtCore.QUrl(url))
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _on_startup_toggled(checked: bool):
+        prefs = FreeCAD.ParamGet("User parameter:BaseApp/Preferences/Mod/Start")
+        prefs.SetBool("ShowOnStartup", not checked)
+
+    # -- cleanup ------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def closeEvent(self, event):
+        self._stop_sse()
+        self._poll_timer.stop()
+        super().closeEvent(event)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Command override
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+class _SiloStartCommand:
+    """Replacement for the C++ Start_Start command."""
+
+    def Activated(self):
+        mw = FreeCADGui.getMainWindow()
+        mdi = mw.findChild(QtWidgets.QMdiArea)
+        if not mdi:
+            return
+
+        # Reuse existing view if open
+        for sw in mdi.subWindowList():
+            if sw.widget() and sw.widget().objectName() == "SiloStartView":
+                mdi.setActiveSubWindow(sw)
+                sw.show()
+                return
+
+        # Create new view as MDI subwindow
+        view = SiloStartView()
+        sw = mdi.addSubWindow(view)
+        sw.setWindowTitle("Start")
+        sw.setWindowIcon(QtGui.QIcon(":/icons/StartCommandIcon.svg"))
+        sw.show()
+        mdi.setActiveSubWindow(sw)
+
+    def GetResources(self):
+        return {
+            "MenuText": "&Start Page",
+            "ToolTip": "Displays the start page",
+            "Pixmap": "StartCommandIcon",
+        }
+
+    def IsActive(self):
+        return True
+
+
+def register():
+    """Override the Start_Start command with the Silo start page.
+
+    Call this from InitGui.py at module level so the override is in
+    place before the C++ StartLauncher fires (100ms after GUI init).
+    """
+    try:
+        FreeCADGui.addCommand("Start_Start", _SiloStartCommand())
+        FreeCAD.Console.PrintMessage("Silo Start: registered start page override\n")
+    except Exception as e:
+        FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Silo Start: failed to register override: {e}\n")