.desktop File — Linux Desktop Entry

DESKTOP files are Linux desktop entry files that define how applications appear in desktop environment menus, launchers, and file managers. Specified by the freedesktop.org Desktop Entry Specification, these INI-like files contain a [Desktop Entry] section with keys for application name (Name), executable command (Exec), icon path (Icon), application categories (Categories), MIME type associations (MimeType), startup notification, and localized translations. Desktop files enable applications to integrate with Linux desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, etc.) by providing the metadata needed for application menus, search, file associations, and launchers. Desktop files are placed in /usr/share/applications/ (system-wide) or ~/.local/share/applications/ (per-user) and are discovered automatically by the desktop environment. The Exec key supports field codes (%f for file, %u for URL, %F for file list) for handling file associations. Desktop files also support Actions for defining additional menu items (like "New Window" or "New Incognito Window" for browsers). The specification ensures consistent application integration across different Linux desktop environments. Creating proper .desktop files is essential for Linux application packaging and distribution.