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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .desktop file?​

The new version of the lnk42 shortcut: a way to click-to-run your app. This filetype and usage is taken from FreeDesktop.

Desktop apps must be prefixed with [Desktop Entry], and can have three properties separated by newlines: Name and Exec. Name will determine the name of the file in the explorer/desktop, while Exec determines the application launched by the shortcut. If the shortcut lacks a name, the filename (without .desktop) will be used instead.

The system will scan for programs in /c/programs that have Exec matching the command property in the manifest. Additionally, the file icon will be determined by the icon in the Exec program directory if no icon is provided.

What are some good practices to follow?​

  • Being mindful of memory use and program efficiency (especially document-base)

What are bad practices to avoid?​

Polluting the global scope. Module-based apps can easily set variables such as window.foo or globalThis.foo. This should be avoided at all costs. Also, being reliant on global-scope APIs, specifically globalThis.sys42 should be avoided.

Invalid command when I try to run my app​

There is likely a syntax error in your app manifest.