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fix: use generic flatpak command in .desktop (fixes #127)#182

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fix-flatpak-path-127
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fix: use generic flatpak command in .desktop (fixes #127)#182
gabrielalmir wants to merge 1 commit intomasterfrom
fix-flatpak-path-127

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@gabrielalmir gabrielalmir commented Apr 4, 2026

Addresses #127.

This PR replaces the absolute path /usr/bin/flatpak with a generic flatpak command in the .desktop file, improving compatibility across various Linux distributions (like NixOS).

@gabrielalmir gabrielalmir self-assigned this Apr 4, 2026
@gabrielalmir gabrielalmir added the bug Something isn't working label Apr 4, 2026
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gabrielalmir commented Apr 4, 2026

I would like to open a discussion regarding the implications of switching from an absolute path (/usr/bin/flatpak) to a generic "f latpak" command in the ".desktop" file.

While this change fixes compatibility for distributions like NixOS, there are potential edge cases to consider:

  1. PATH availability in GUI sessions: Desktop environments sometimes have a more restricted PATH than interactive shells. Could this cause the launcher to fail on systems where f latpak is installed in a non-standard location not included in the session's environment?
  2. Security & Binary Hijacking: Relying on PATH search order theoretically allows for binary spoofing if a different "f latpak" executable exists earlier in the search path.
  3. Cross-Distro Consistency: Is there a consensus or standard preference among major desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, etc.) regarding absolute vs. relative paths in Exec lines for Flatpak applications?

I'd love to hear the community's thoughts on this.

@gabrielalmir gabrielalmir marked this pull request as ready for review April 4, 2026 15:35
@gabrielalmir gabrielalmir requested a review from Diolinux April 4, 2026 15:36
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