https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=512737
Bug ID: 512737
Summary: [UX] No feedback on launch failure for non-executable
applications
Classification: Plasma
Product: plasmashell
Version First 6.4.5
Reported In:
Platform: Fedora RPMs
OS: Linux
Status: REPORTED
Severity: minor
Priority: NOR
Component: Application Launcher (Kickoff) widget
Assignee: [email protected]
Reporter: [email protected]
CC: [email protected], [email protected]
Target Milestone: 1.0
STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Place an application executable in a any directory (e.g., download an binary
file and move it to /opt).
2. Using Dolphin, navigate to the executable file, open its Properties, and go
to the Permissions tab.
3. Ensure the "Is executable" checkbox is unchecked. This is the default state
for many downloaded files.
4. Right-click the Application Launcher icon and select "Edit Applications..."
to open the KDE Menu Editor.
5. In the Menu Editor, create a new item. Set its "Command" to the path of the
executable file from step 1 and save it.
6. Open the Application Launcher, find the newly created entry, and click it.
OBSERVED RESULT
The Application Launcher closes, but the application does not start. There is
no feedback, error message, or notification. The system fails silently, leaving
the user to guess what went wrong.
EXPECTED RESULT
Ideally, an error notification should appear with clear, actionable feedback.
For example: "Could not launch [Application Name]. The file is not marked as
executable."
However, even a more generic notification would be a vast improvement. A simple
message like "Launch failed: Permission denied" would inform the user that the
action failed and provide a crucial clue for troubleshooting.
SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Operating System: Fedora Linux 42
KDE Plasma Version: 6.4.5
KDE Frameworks Version: 6.19.0
Qt Version: 6.9.3
Kernel Version: 6.17.5-200.fc42.x86_64 (64-bit)
Graphics Platform: Wayland
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This issue occurs during a very common workflow for users who install software
manually. When a launcher is created using the official KDE Menu Editor, the
user expects it to either work or provide a clear error if it cannot. The
current silent failure is a significant UX issue that can be mistaken for a
system bug. Providing feedback for this case would be a major quality-of-life
improvement.
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