How to install firefox developer edition and create a desktop entry (launcher icon) - 2019 Ubuntu

readme.md

Installation for a single user

This guide is for a fresh firefox installation, if you already have firefox installed you will need to change few steps, and rename the executables.

1. Download firefox developer edition from the official website: https://www.mozilla.org/en-GB/firefox/developer/

2. Create a local bin folder in your home directory for local executables: mkdir ~/bin

3. Create a programs folder in your home directory: mkdir ~/opt

4. Extract the downloaded tar file into the ~/opt folder

5. Create a symbolic link: ln -s ~/opt/firefox/firefox ~/bin/firefox

6. Create a firefox.desktop file under: ~/.local/share/applications/firefox.desktop, and paste the contents from the file below. This will create an icon that you can pin to the sidebar.

7. Make sure you change line 7 to your own username.

firefox.desktop

[Desktop Entry]
Encoding=UTF-8
Name=Mozilla Firefox
GenericName=Web Browser
Comment=Browse the Web
Exec=firefox %u
Icon=/home/your_username/opt/firefox/browser/chrome/icons/default/default128.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
StartupWMClass=Firefox Developer Edition
Categories=Application;Network;WebBrowser;
MimeType=text/html;text/xml;application/xhtml+xml;application/vnd.mozilla.xul+xml;text/mml;
Actions=NewPrivateWindow;NewSafeMode;ProfileManager;

[Desktop Action NewPrivateWindow]
Name=Open a New Private Window
Exec=firefox -private
OnlyShowIn=Unity;

[Desktop Action NewSafeMode]
Name=Open in Safe Mode
Exec=firefox --safe-mode
OnlyShowIn=Unity;

[Desktop Action ProfileManager]
Name=Open Profile Manager
Exec=firefox --ProfileManager
OnlyShowIn=Unity;