How to use the command xdg-desktop-menu (with examples)

The xdg-desktop-menu command is a command-line tool used for installing or uninstalling desktop menu items. It provides a convenient way to manage applications in the desktop menu system.

Use case 1: Install an application to the desktop menu system

Code:

xdg-desktop-menu install path/to/file.desktop

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to add an application to the desktop menu system, making it easily accessible to users through the graphical interface.

Explanation:

• xdg-desktop-menu install: This command tells xdg-desktop-menu to install the application to the desktop menu system.
• path/to/file.desktop: The path to the .desktop file of the application being installed.

Example output:

Installing application... Done.

Use case 2: Install an application to the desktop menu system with the vendor prefix check disabled

Code:

xdg-desktop-menu install --novendor path/to/file.desktop

Motivation: The vendor prefix check is a validation that ensures the .desktop file follows the proper naming convention. Disabling the vendor prefix check can be helpful when dealing with custom or modified applications that do not conform to the standard naming convention.

Explanation:

• --novendor: This option disables the vendor prefix check.
• path/to/file.desktop: The path to the .desktop file of the application being installed.

Example output:

Installing application... Done.

Use case 3: Uninstall an application from the desktop menu system

Code:

xdg-desktop-menu uninstall path/to/file.desktop

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to remove an application from the desktop menu system.

Explanation:

• xdg-desktop-menu uninstall: This command tells xdg-desktop-menu to uninstall the application from the desktop menu system.
• path/to/file.desktop: The path to the .desktop file of the application being uninstalled.

Example output:

Uninstalling application... Done.

Use case 4: Force an update of the desktop menu system

Code:

xdg-desktop-menu forceupdate --mode user|system

Motivation: The desktop menu system might not always reflect changes immediately. Forcing an update ensures that any changes made to the desktop menu system are immediately applied.

Explanation:

• xdg-desktop-menu forceupdate: This command forces an update of the desktop menu system.
• --mode user|system: This option specifies whether the update should be applied at the user or system level.

Example output:

Updating desktop menu system... Done.

Conclusion

The xdg-desktop-menu command provides a straightforward way to manage applications in the desktop menu system. Whether you need to install, uninstall, or force an update, this command can help you easily make changes to the graphical interface for a more user-friendly experience.