What is a .DESKTOP file?
The file extension .DESKTOP refers to a Desktop Entry File, which is a type of data file used primarily on Unix-based operating systems like CentOS, Ubuntu, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This file contains important information that helps manage how certain items appear in a program's menu. Specifically, it includes details such as the name of the program or file, the icon that should be displayed, and the command that should be executed when the item is selected.
For example, if there is a .DESKTOP file for a text editor, this file would specify the name of the text editor as it should appear in the menu, the icon file that represents the text editor, and the command line instruction to launch the text editor from the menu.
These .DESKTOP files are crucial for the user interface in Unix-based systems, helping to organize and execute applications efficiently. They are not meant to be opened and edited by general users but are configured to be read and executed by the system or specific applications.
One common application that utilizes .DESKTOP files is GIMP, a cross-platform image editor. GIMP uses these files to integrate its launching process into the system's menu, allowing users to start the program by clicking its icon from a menu or a desktop environment, rather than needing to enter command line instructions.
To view or edit .DESKTOP files, you can use a basic text editor like Gedit in Ubuntu, or any other text editor that supports plain text formats. However, it's important to be cautious when editing these files, as incorrect settings can cause applications to behave unexpectedly or not launch at all.
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