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Asked: 2024-09-24T12:53:08+05:30 In:

How can I configure PyCharm to start from the Ubuntu launcher?

I’ve been diving into PyCharm for a while now, and while it’s been an awesome experience so far, I’m stuck on one detail that I can’t seem to figure out. I’m using Ubuntu, and I really want to make my life easier by having PyCharm start directly from the launcher. You know, just click and go, instead of having to open a terminal each time or navigate through the file system.

I did a bit of searching online, and I found some scattered tips, but nothing comprehensive. It’s like everyone assumes you either already know how to do it or they just tell you to use the terminal. Can someone break it down for me? I want to understand what I need to do step by step.

From what I gather, I may need to create a desktop entry or something like that? But then there’s the issue of where to place that file and what it should actually contain. I’ve seen some examples, but they look confusing and filled with technical jargon that makes my head spin.

Also, do I need to worry about file permissions? I mean, I don’t want to mess anything up, especially since I’ve finally got my PyCharm set up the way I like it. If anyone has gone through this process, could you share your experience? Or better yet, if you have a recipe for the perfect .desktop file, I’m all ears!

Oh, and if it helps, I’m on a pretty recent version of Ubuntu, so if that makes any difference, let me know. I just want to get to coding without the extra hassle of starting up PyCharm the “long” way.

Thanks in advance for any tips or nuggets of wisdom you can throw my way! I’m really hoping to get this sorted out so I can jump right into my projects.

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    2 Answers


    1. How to Create a PyCharm Launcher on Ubuntu

      If you want to make PyCharm super easy to access from your Ubuntu launcher, you’re on the right track thinking about creating a .desktop file! This file allows you to launch applications easily, just like any other installed program. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you out:

      Step 1: Find PyCharm’s Installation Path

      First, you need to know where PyCharm is installed. If you installed it using the JetBrains Toolbox, it’s probably in a path like:

      /home/your-username/.local/share/JetBrains/Toolbox/apps/PyCharm/ch-0/your-version/bin/pycharm.sh

      Make sure to replace your-username with your actual username and your-version with the specific folder name for your PyCharm version.

      Step 2: Create the .desktop File

      You can create the .desktop file using a text editor. Open up a terminal and use your favorite editor, like nano:

      nano ~/.local/share/applications/pycharm.desktop

      Now you need to add some content to this file. Here’s a simple template you can use:

          [Desktop Entry]
    Version=1.0
    Type=Application
    Name=PyCharm
    Icon=/path/to/your/icon.png
    Exec=/home/your-username/.local/share/JetBrains/Toolbox/apps/PyCharm/ch-0/your-version/bin/pycharm.sh
    Comment=Python IDE
    Categories=Development;IDE;
    Terminal=false

      Remember to replace:

      • /path/to/your/icon.png with the actual path to the PyCharm icon (you can usually find it in the PyCharm directory).
      • The Exec line with the path to your pycharm.sh file as mentioned before.

      Step 3: Set Permissions

      After saving the file, you need to make it executable. Run this command:

      chmod +x ~/.local/share/applications/pycharm.desktop

      Step 4: Launch PyCharm

      Now, you should be able to find PyCharm in your applications menu or your launcher. Just search for “PyCharm,” click on it, and voilà! You’re coding without the hassle!

      And don’t worry if you hit any bumps along the way. Just double-check the paths and make sure everything is spelled correctly. Have fun coding!



    2. To set up PyCharm to start directly from the Ubuntu launcher, you will need to create a `.desktop` file. This file serves as a launcher for PyCharm. Begin by opening your terminal and navigating to the directory where desktop entries are typically stored, which is either `~/.local/share/applications/` for user-specific shortcuts or `/usr/share/applications/` for system-wide shortcuts. You can create a new file using the command: `nano pycharm.desktop`. In the file, paste the following template, making sure to replace `` with the actual installation path of PyCharm on your system:

      “`plaintext
      [Desktop Entry]
      Version=1.0
      Type=Application
      Name=PyCharm
      Exec=/bin/pycharm.sh
      Icon=      /bin/pycharm.png
      Terminal=false
      Categories=Development;IDE;
      “`

      After saving the file, make it executable using: `chmod +x ~/local/share/applications/pycharm.desktop` (adjust the path as needed). You should now see PyCharm in your application launcher.

      Regarding file permissions, as long as you create the desktop entry in your user space (`~/.local/share/applications/`), you generally don’t have to worry about file permissions too much. Just ensure you make it executable, as mentioned earlier. If you followed the template correctly, you should be set. Also, make sure the paths for the `Exec` and `Icon` fields point correctly to your PyCharm installation; otherwise, it may not launch or display the icon properly. Once you’ve finished this, you can simply click on PyCharm from the launcher next time, and you’ll be ready to jump into your coding projects hassle-free!


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