Introduction to the dconf configuration system
Introduction to the dconf configuration system
In this tutorial we see how manage dconf keys, how to backup and restore them and keep the database status in sync with a configuration file.
This references gnome but it also applies to gnome based desktops like cinnamon
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Why is it that it seems like Gnome seems to be implementing Windows bad practices? The last thing Linux needs is a Windows registry. One of the greatest benefits of Linux IMO is the ability to configure applications in config files... not having to use some custom tool to manage the configuration.
This isn’t new. It’s been around since at least 2006 in the Gnome 2 days when everyone seemed to prefer Gnome
Dconf was a continuation of Gconf
Gconf was text though (well XML actually but not binary).
At least it's got a fairly well defined schema unlike the Windows registry which is really just a very big dumping ground with a completely unenforced schema. You can just browse it and the settings are all there, complete with value type, default value and sometimes even a description. And it's reactive too usually, so you change the setting and it applies immediately to running apps.
Tbh I'll take that over KDE's million config files spread out everywhere that are mostly undocumented and trashes your formatting and comments everytime it updates the file.
It's actually a pretty good implementation of a registry overall.
dconf is really good as it allows for admins to tweak the desktop experience.
It is closer to group policy although GP objects are just registry changes.
There also is xfconf on xfce4
Beginners won't agree with you. Imagine their reaction after hearing that they have to edit a config file written in an obscure script language they never heard of
and how is it simpler to tamper with a binary tree with different tools?
By having a GUI, even if it's a very bad one. It's all a matter of first impression