Method and apparatus for providing search function in touch-sensitive device

A method of an electronic device for executing a plurality of applications, the method comprising:

• based on receiving a first user input, displaying a first window comprising a plurality of number keys on a display of the electronic device;
• based on a second user input selecting one of the plurality of number keys in the first window, displaying a second window on the display, the second window comprising a list of applications mappable to the selected number key, wherein each of the applications included in the list is represented by an icon image and an application name;
• based on an application being selected from the list of applications in the second window, mapping the selected application to the selected number key and displaying an icon image corresponding to the selected application in the selected number key;
• after the selected application is mapped to the selected number key of the plurality of number keys, receiving a third user input corresponding to the selected number key;
• and
• in response to receiving the third user input, performing a first function associated with the selected application based on a duration of the third user input being longer than a threshold duration, the first function being different from a function associated with another application mapped to another number key of the plurality of number keys.

An electronic device for executing a plurality of applications, the electronic device comprising:

• a display;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• based on receiving a first user input, display a first window comprising a plurality of number keys on the display;
• based on a second user input selecting one of the plurality of number keys in the first window, display a list of applications mappable to the selected number key, wherein each of the applications included in the list is represented by an icon image and an application name;
• based on an application being selected from the list of applications in a second window, map the selected application to the selected number key and display an icon image corresponding to the selected application in the selected number key;
• after the selected application is mapped to the selected number key of the plurality of number keys, receive a third user input corresponding to the selected number key;
• and
• in response to receiving the third user input, perform a first function associated with the selected application based on a duration of the third user input being longer than a threshold duration, the first function being different from a function associated with another application mapped to another number key of the plurality of number keys.