.DESKTOP File Extension
Desktop Entry File
| Developer | Update Soon |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Misc Files |
| Format | .DESKTOP |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an DESKTOP file?
.DESKTOP files are configuration files used by desktop environments on Linux systems, such as GNOME, KDE, and XFCE.
These files are integral to creating desktop shortcuts or application launchers, defining how and where applications are executed from a graphical user interface.
Essentially, a .DESKTOP file contains metadata about an application, including its name, icon, and execution command.
More Information.
The Desktop Entry Specification was first introduced in the early 2000s as part of an effort to unify desktop environments on Linux.
Before this standardization, different Linux desktop environments had their own methods for handling application launchers, leading to inconsistencies and fragmentation.
The primary purpose of .DESKTOP files is to provide a universal format for application launchers. By using a standardized file format, Linux desktop environments could offer a seamless experience where users could easily access and manage applications.
These files make it possible to create desktop shortcuts, menu entries, and application launchers that are consistent across different Linux systems.
Origin Of This File.
The .DESKTOP file extension is rooted in the Linux ecosystem, particularly within the Free Desktop (freedesktop.org) standards.
The concept of .DESKTOP files is part of the Desktop Entry Specification, which was developed to standardize application launchers across different Linux desktop environments.
This specification ensures a consistent user experience and interoperability between various Linux distributions and desktop environments.
File Structure Technical Specification.
A .DESKTOP file is a plain text file with a specific structure defined by the Desktop Entry Specification. The file typically contains several sections, each with a specific purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the common components:
1. [Desktop Entry] Section: This is the main section of the file and includes essential information about the application.
- Type: Defines the type of entry, usually set to “Application” for application launchers.
- Name: The name of the application as it should appear in the menu or on the desktop.
- Comment: A brief description of the application.
- Exec: The command used to launch the application. This field may include placeholders for user-specific or environment-specific variables.
- Icon: The path to the icon file associated with the application.
- Terminal: Indicates whether the application should be run in a terminal window (true or false).
- Categories: Specifies the categories under which the application should be listed in the application menu.
2. [Install] Section: This optional section includes installation-related information.
- WantedBy: Specifies the target for the installation of the desktop entry, such as “desktop-file-install”.
How to Convert the File?
Conversion of .DESKTOP files is not typically required or supported as these files are designed specifically for Linux desktop environments. If you need to convert a .DESKTOP file for use on other systems or formats, consider the following approaches:
- Manual Adaptation: If transitioning to another operating system, manually recreate the launcher or shortcut using the appropriate format for that system (e.g., Windows shortcuts or macOS application bundles).
- Conversion Tools: There are no standard tools for converting .DESKTOP files to other formats. Instead, it’s often more practical to manually create equivalent files or launchers using the target system’s tools.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Standardization: The .DESKTOP file format standardizes application launchers across various Linux desktop environments, ensuring compatibility and a consistent user experience.
- Customizability: Users and system administrators can easily customize desktop entries by editing .DESKTOP files, enabling personalized application launchers and shortcuts.
- Integration: .DESKTOP files integrate seamlessly with desktop environments, allowing applications to appear in menus and on the desktop with proper icons and descriptions.
Disadvantages:
- Security Risks: If not handled properly, .DESKTOP files can pose security risks, as they can include executable commands. Malicious .DESKTOP files might execute harmful commands if executed by unsuspecting users.
- Limited to Linux: The .DESKTOP file format is specific to Linux-based systems and does not have direct compatibility with other operating systems, such as Windows or macOS.
- Complexity for Beginners: For users unfamiliar with Linux file systems and text editing, creating or modifying .DESKTOP files can be daunting and may require a learning curve.
How to Open DESKTOP?
Open In Windows
- Windows does not natively support .DESKTOP files. To work with .DESKTOP files on Windows, you can use a text editor to view or edit the file’s contents. The functionality related to launching applications as defined in the .DESKTOP file will not be applicable on Windows.
Open In Linux
- On Linux systems, .DESKTOP files are opened automatically by desktop environments when executed. To view or edit a .DESKTOP file, use a text editor such as
gedit,nano, orvim. These files are typically located in directories like/usr/share/applications/or~/.local/share/applications/.
Open In MAC
- Similar to Windows, macOS does not natively support .DESKTOP files. You can open and edit the file using a text editor, but it will not integrate with macOS’s application management system. For macOS, application launchers are typically managed through
.appbundles.
