DESKTOP File – What is .desktop file and how to open it?
DESKTOP File Extension
Desktop Entry File – file format by N/A
The DESKTOP file extension is associated with Desktop Entry Files developed by N/A. These files contain metadata that allows applications to be launched from a graphical user interface.
General Overview of DESKTOP Files
DESKTOP files, also known as Desktop Entry Files, are configuration files primarily used in Linux and Unix-like operating systems. They provide instructions to the desktop environment on how to create an entry for a specific application or link on the desktop, menu, or dock. DESKTOP files specify the executable path, icon, name, and other metadata necessary for the desktop environment to display and launch the associated application.
Structure and Syntax of DESKTOP Files
DESKTOP files are plain text documents that follow a specific syntax defined by the X Desktop Group. They consist of key-value pairs separated by colons and arranged in sections enclosed by square brackets. The most common sections include [Desktop Entry], [X-Desktop-Properties], and [X-AppInfo]. The [Desktop Entry] section contains essential information such as the application’s name, executable path, icon, and type. The [X-Desktop-Properties] section includes additional metadata like the application’s description, keywords, and terminal settings. The [X-AppInfo] section is used for more advanced settings like specifying dependencies and desktop file actions.
Opening DESKTOP Files on Windows:
To open DESKTOP files on Windows, users require a special application that can interpret their contents. One such application is “GNOME Desktop Entry File Editor,” an open-source tool specifically designed to handle DESKTOP files. Once installed, users can double-click on the DESKTOP file to open it in the editor, where they can view and edit its properties. However, it’s important to note that DESKTOP files are not executable on Windows. Instead, they contain information about the associated application, including its name, icon, and the command line used to launch it.
Opening DESKTOP Files on Linux:
In the Linux environment, DESKTOP files serve as shortcuts or launchers for applications and are commonly found on the desktop or in application menus. When users double-click on a DESKTOP file, it automatically executes the specified application. The file contains information about the application’s icon, description, and the path to its executable. Users can edit DESKTOP files using a text editor such as “gedit” or “nano” to customize the associated application’s properties. Additionally, users can create new DESKTOP files to create custom shortcuts or launchers for any application or script.
Desktop Entry File Format
A DESKTOP file is a text file that describes a desktop entry, providing information about an application or a file to the desktop environment. It allows the user to create shortcuts and launchers for programs, documents, or websites on the desktop or in the application menu. The file format is based on the XDG Desktop Entry Specification and is supported by various desktop environments, including GNOME, KDE, and Xfce.
Structure and Content
A DESKTOP file typically contains a set of key-value pairs that define various properties of the desktop entry. These properties include the application’s name, comment, icon, executable path, and startup flags. The file follows a specific syntax, with each line representing a key-value pair. The keys are case-sensitive and must be followed by an equals sign (=), while the values are case-insensitive and can be enclosed in double quotes. The file must also end with a newline character.