Minibin Lite

Minibin Lite is a lightweight system utility designed to manage the Windows Recycle Bin directly from the notification area (system tray). Unlike bulky third-party solutions, this project is focused on maximum performance and native integration

1. Key Features

• Dynamic Icon Updates: The tray icon changes in real-time depending on the Recycle Bin state (empty or full).
• One-Click Access: Open the Recycle Bin with a left mouse click and use the context menu for quick emptying.
• Background Operation: Runs completely invisibly, without creating extra windows or processes on the taskbar.
• Embedded Logic: All PowerShell functionality is “baked” into the binary EXE file, making the program portable and secure.

2. Structural Advantages

The program is built on a hybrid architecture:

1. C# Wrapper: A compiled C# shell that ensures hidden execution and correct display of metadata (icon, version, description).
2. PowerShell Core: Leverages the powerful Windows automation engine to interact with system APIs (Shell.Application) without requiring additional library installations.

3. Why Native is Better (Minibin Lite vs. Python/Electron)

Resource Consumption (RAM/CPU)

• Python: Requires an interpreter and often occupies 30 to 100 MB of RAM. When packaged into an EXE via PyInstaller, the file size reaches 15–20 MB due to the inclusion of all bundled libraries.
• Minibin Lite: Consumes minimal memory as it uses .NET and PowerShell components already loaded in the system. The EXE size is less than 10 KB.

Deployment & Zero Dependencies

• Unlike programs written in Python or Node.js (Electron), Minibin Lite does not require the installation of third-party runtimes. Everything needed is already present in any modern version of Windows (7, 10, 11).