Such a variable to simulate any DE has been already invented. It is named XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP. To get a glimpse how to use it, see test cases. xdg-utils first try to use DE specific tools and, in case of error, fallback to internal implementations for generic mode.
https://git.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xdg-utils/tree/autotests/test- lib.sh?id=9df7480816442225cc59373d62a475247318b0d8#n55 ** Changed in: xdg-utils (Ubuntu) Status: Confirmed => Fix Released -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Desktop Packages, which is subscribed to xdg-utils in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/220774 Title: xdg-open should allow user to force "desktop environment" detection Status in xdg-utils package in Ubuntu: Fix Released Bug description: Binary package hint: xdg-utils The xdg-open code attempts to detect a desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, XFCE4, other) and choose a way of opening files accordingly. Users of Fluxbox, Openbox and other WM's may have gnome-open or the corresponding KDE or XFCE components installed and may wish xdg-open to use them. detectDE() could have code added to check for a variable - say XDG_OPEN_FORCE_DE - and use that value (kde, gnome, xfce, generic) instead of attemtpting a detection if it is present. To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xdg-utils/+bug/220774/+subscriptions -- Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~desktop-packages Post to : desktop-packages@lists.launchpad.net Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~desktop-packages More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp
