Open .desktop files under bash

dex.md

1. check if dex is installed:

   vimes ~ » [ -x "$(which dex)" ] && echo "Dex is installed." || echo "Dex is not installed."
   Dex is not installed.
   vimes ~ » 
   

2. so, install dex:

   vimes ~ » sudo apt install dex
   [sudo] Passwort für schtobia: 
   […]
   vimes ~ » 
   

3. check if dex is working:

   vimes ~ » dex .local/share/applications/<your desktop file in here>
   <should open in a new window>
   

4. create desktop file for dex:

   vimes ~ » dex -c "$(which dex)" -t ~/.local/share/applications/
   vimes ~ » cat ~/.local/share/applications/dex.desktop
   [Desktop Entry]
   Exec=/usr/bin/dex
   Name=dex
   Comment=DesktopEntry Execution
   Type=Application
   vimes ~ » 
   

5. check if xdg-mime is set for application/x-desktop:

   vimes ~ » xdg-mime query default application/x-desktop
   vimes ~ » 
   

6. set xdg-mime for application/x-desktop:

   vimes ~ » xdg-mime default dex.desktop application/x-desktop
   vimes ~ » 
   

7. make the desktop file executable:

   vimes ~ » chmod +x .local/share/applications/<your desktop file in here>
   vimes ~ » 
   

8. now, call the desktop file directly:

   vimes ~ » .local/share/applications/<your desktop file in here>
   <should open in a new window>
   

9. optionally, you can symlink this desktop file in a $PATH enabled directory