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Creating Custom GNOME Linux Desktop Entries

by Savio Resende

In the Linux world, desktop entries play an essential role in integrating applications with the desktop environment. They provide a standardized way to describe how an application should be launched, its name, icon, and other relevant properties. In this article, we will delve into the world of GNOME Linux desktop entries and explore how they work, tools for automating their creation, and the various options available. We will also discuss some common strategies for managing these entries and how the system handles them.

The Utility of GNOME Linux Desktop Entries

The utility of GNOME's desktop entries is manifold. They function as convenient shortcuts that facilitate a seamless interaction between users and their applications on the Linux desktop environment. By encapsulating all the necessary information about an application – such as its name, execution command, and associated icon – in a single '.desktop' file, desktop entries create a one-click access point for launching applications.

Consider an example where a user frequently uses LibreOffice Writer. Rather than navigating through the menu or typing the command in terminal every time, a desktop entry for LibreOffice Writer can be created. This entry, visible on the desktop or in the applications menu, allows the user to start the application with a single click. Here's a simplified version of how the '.desktop' file might look:

Type=Application
Name=LibreOffice Writer
Exec=libreoffice --writer
Icon=libreoffice-writer

Furthermore, desktop entries contribute significantly to the overall organization and aesthetics of the GNOME Linux desktop. They enable grouping of applications into categories and customization of icons and names, leading to a personalized, user-friendly desktop environment. In essence, the versatility and utility of GNOME Linux desktop entries extend beyond mere application shortcuts, transforming them into vital tools for enhancing desktop functionality and user experience.

How GNOME Linux Desktop Entries Work

Desktop entries in GNOME Linux are simple text files with a '.desktop' extension, conforming to the Desktop Entry Specification. These files contain metadata about the application, including its name, executable path, icon, and other properties, organized as key-value pairs under different sections. The primary section in a desktop entry file is the [Desktop Entry] group, which contains keys defining the essential characteristics of the application.

Here's a breakdown of the sample desktop entry provided:

  • Name: The name of the application as it should appear on the desktop.
  • Exec: The command to execute the application. The '%U' is a field code, which gets replaced with the appropriate URL when launching the application.
  • Terminal: Specifies whether the application should run in a terminal window (true or false).
  • Icon: The icon used to represent the application on the desktop.
  • Type: The type of desktop entry, usually 'Application' for a regular application.
  • Categories: A semicolon-separated list of categories the application belongs to, used for menu organization.
  • MimeType: A semicolon-separated list of MIME types the application can handle.

Tools to Automate Desktop Entry Creation

Manually creating desktop entry files can be tedious, especially for users unfamiliar with the syntax. There are tools available to automate the process, such as:

  1. Alacarte: A simple and user-friendly menu editor for GNOME that allows users to create, edit, and delete desktop entries with ease.
  2. MenuLibre: A more advanced menu editor that provides greater control over desktop entries and supports multiple desktop environments.
  3. AppEditor: A straightforward desktop entry editor with an intuitive interface that supports a wide range of desktop environments.

System Handling of Desktop Entries

GNOME Linux searches for desktop entries in specific directories, such as /usr/share/applications for system-wide entries and ~/.local/share/applications for user-specific entries. When an application is installed or removed, its corresponding desktop entry is added or removed from these directories. The desktop environment then reads these files and displays the application icons in the appropriate menus, toolbars, or dashboards.

List of Available Options

There are numerous options available for customizing desktop entries. Some of the most common include:

  • Comment: A brief description of the application.
  • StartupNotify: Indicates if a startup notification should be displayed when the application is launched (true or false).
  • StartupWMClass: Specifies the window class for the application, used to group windows belonging to the same application.
  • Keywords: A semicolon-separated list of keywords related to the application, used for search functionality.
  • Actions: A semicolon-separated list of action identifiers, which define additional actions for the application.

Common Strategies

There are several common strategies for managing desktop entries:

  1. Grouping: Organize applications into categories, making it easier to locate specific applications in the menu.
  2. Customization: Customize the name, icon, and other properties of an application to match personal preferences or accessibility needs.
  3. Actions: Define additional actions for an application, such as opening a new private browsing window for a web browser.
  4. MIME type associations: Associate specific file types with an application, allowing it to open files directly from the file manager.

Going for the Goal

Now that we have explored the world of GNOME Linux desktop entries, you should have a better understanding of how they work and the various options available for customizing them. With this knowledge, you can create custom desktop entries to suit your needs, automate the process using available tools, and manage your applications more effectively.

Remember to consider the following when creating and managing desktop entries:

  1. Adhere to the Desktop Entry Specification to ensure compatibility with the GNOME desktop environment.
  2. Use available tools to automate the process of creating desktop entries, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
  3. Employ common strategies for organizing, customizing, and extending the functionality of your desktop entries.

By following these best practices, you can create a more efficient and personalized GNOME Linux desktop experience, tailored to your unique requirements and preferences.