Beyond Linux From Scratch - Version 6.1

Chapter 10. General Utilities

desktop-file-utils-0.10

Introduction to desktop-file-utils

The desktop-file-utils package contains command line utilities for working with desktop entries. These utilities are used by GNOME-2 and other applications to manipulate the MIME-types application databases and help adhere to the desktop entries standards specification.

Package Information

desktop-file-utils Dependencies

Required

GLib-2.6.4 and popt-1.7-5

Optional

Emacs-21.4a

Installation of desktop-file-utils

Install desktop-file-utils by running the following commands: 

./configure --prefix=/usr &&
make

Now, as the root user: 

make install

Configuring desktop-file-utils

Configuration Information

The default location for the MIME-types application database is /usr/share/applications/mimeinfo.cache. If you are going to install, or have already installed, a desktop environment such as GNOME or KDE in a prefix other than /usr, you'll need to update the XDG_DATA_DIRS environment variable so that additional MIME-types application databases are properly maintained. Add the following to the system-wide or personal profile:

For GNOME: 

XDG_DATA_DIRS=$XDG_DATA_DIRS:$GNOME_PREFIX/share
export XDG_DATA_DIRS

For KDE: 

XDG_DATA_DIRS=$XDG_DATA_DIRS:$KDE_PREFIX/share
export XDG_DATA_DIRS

If you're installing both GNOME and KDE: 

XDG_DATA_DIRS=$XDG_DATA_DIRS:$GNOME_PREFIX/share:$KDE_PREFIX/share
export XDG_DATA_DIRS

Contents

Installed Programs: desktop-file-install, desktop-file-validate, and update-desktop-database
Installed Libraries: None
Installed Directories: None

Short Descriptions

desktop-file-install

is used to install a new, or modify an existing desktop file entry. It is also used to rebuild or modify the MIME-types application database.

desktop-file-validate

is used to verify the integrity of a desktop file.

update-desktop-database

is used to update the MIME-types application database.

Last updated on 2005-08-01 13:29:19 -0600