Description: The desktop file in Linux is a file that contains information about how a particular application should be started. This type of file, which typically has the .desktop extension, is essential for the integration of applications into the desktop environment. Desktop files allow users to launch applications easily and quickly, providing direct access to them from the application menu or the desktop. Each file of this type includes several sections that specify details such as the application’s name, the command to execute it, the icon that represents it, and other relevant configurations. This standardized structure facilitates the customization of the desktop environment and application management, allowing users to tailor their experience according to their preferences. Additionally, desktop files are compatible with multiple desktop environments in Linux, making them a versatile tool for managing applications across different distributions of the operating system. In lightweight Linux distributions, desktop files are particularly useful for optimizing system performance and usability, allowing users to quickly access the applications they use most frequently.
History: Desktop files were introduced in the Linux desktop environment in the mid-1990s as part of efforts to standardize how applications integrate into the operating system. The .desktop format was formalized in the Freedesktop.org standard, which aims to promote interoperability among different desktop environments in Linux. Over the years, these files have evolved to include more options and configurations, adapting to the changing needs of users and developers.
Uses: Desktop files are primarily used to create shortcuts to applications in the Linux desktop environment. They allow users to launch applications from the application menu or desktop quickly and efficiently. Additionally, they are used by developers to package applications, facilitating their installation and configuration across different Linux distributions.
Examples: An example of a desktop file in Linux could be a file named ‘firefox.desktop’, which would contain information on how to start the Firefox browser, including the command to execute it and the location of the icon. Another example could be ‘gedit.desktop’, which would provide a direct shortcut to the Gedit text editor.
