## Key-value file parser

Key-value file parser — parses .ini-like config files

## Functions

GKeyFile * | g_key_file_new ()
void | g_key_file_free ()
GKeyFile * | g_key_file_ref ()
void | g_key_file_unref ()
void | g_key_file_set_list_separator ()
gboolean | g_key_file_load_from_file ()
gboolean | g_key_file_load_from_data ()
gboolean | g_key_file_load_from_bytes ()
gboolean | g_key_file_load_from_data_dirs ()
gboolean | g_key_file_load_from_dirs ()
gchar * | g_key_file_to_data ()
gboolean | g_key_file_save_to_file ()
gchar * | g_key_file_get_start_group ()
gchar ** | g_key_file_get_groups ()
gchar ** | g_key_file_get_keys ()
gboolean | g_key_file_has_group ()
gboolean | g_key_file_has_key ()
gchar * | g_key_file_get_value ()
gchar * | g_key_file_get_string ()
gchar * | g_key_file_get_locale_string ()
gchar * | g_key_file_get_locale_for_key ()
gboolean | g_key_file_get_boolean ()
gint | g_key_file_get_integer ()
gint64 | g_key_file_get_int64 ()
guint64 | g_key_file_get_uint64 ()
gdouble | g_key_file_get_double ()
gchar ** | g_key_file_get_string_list ()
gchar ** | g_key_file_get_locale_string_list ()
gboolean * | g_key_file_get_boolean_list ()
gint * | g_key_file_get_integer_list ()
gdouble * | g_key_file_get_double_list ()
gchar * | g_key_file_get_comment ()
void | g_key_file_set_value ()
void | g_key_file_set_string ()
void | g_key_file_set_locale_string ()
void | g_key_file_set_boolean ()
void | g_key_file_set_integer ()
void | g_key_file_set_int64 ()
void | g_key_file_set_uint64 ()
void | g_key_file_set_double ()
void | g_key_file_set_string_list ()
void | g_key_file_set_locale_string_list ()
void | g_key_file_set_boolean_list ()
void | g_key_file_set_integer_list ()
void | g_key_file_set_double_list ()
gboolean | g_key_file_set_comment ()
gboolean | g_key_file_remove_group ()
gboolean | g_key_file_remove_key ()
gboolean | g_key_file_remove_comment ()

## Types and Values

| GKeyFile
#define | G_KEY_FILE_ERROR
enum | GKeyFileError
enum | GKeyFileFlags
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TYPE
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_VERSION
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_NAME
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_GENERIC_NAME
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_NO_DISPLAY
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_COMMENT
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_ICON
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_HIDDEN
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_ONLY_SHOW_IN
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_NOT_SHOW_IN
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TRY_EXEC
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_EXEC
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_PATH
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TERMINAL
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_MIME_TYPE
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_CATEGORIES
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_STARTUP_NOTIFY
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_STARTUP_WM_CLASS
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_URL
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_ACTIONS
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_DBUS_ACTIVATABLE
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_APPLICATION
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_LINK
#define | G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_DIRECTORY

## Includes

    #include <glib.h>
    #include <glib/gprintf.h>

## Description

GKeyFile lets you parse, edit or create files containing groups of key-value pairs, which we call "key files" for lack of a better name. Several freedesktop.org specifications use key files now, e.g the Desktop Entry Specification and the Icon Theme Specification.

The syntax of key files is described in detail in the Desktop Entry Specification, here is a quick summary: Key files consists of groups of key-value pairs, interspersed with comments.

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    # this is just an example
    # there can be comments before the first group

    [First Group]

    Name=Key File Example\tthis value shows\nescaping

    # localized strings are stored in multiple key-value pairs
    Welcome=Hello
    Welcome[de]=Hallo
    Welcome[fr_FR]=Bonjour
    Welcome[it]=Ciao
    Welcome[be@latin]=Hello

    [Another Group]

    Numbers=2;20;-200;0

    Booleans=true;false;true;true

Lines beginning with a '#' and blank lines are considered comments.

Groups are started by a header line containing the group name enclosed in '[' and ']', and ended implicitly by the start of the next group or the end of the file. Each key-value pair must be contained in a group.

Key-value pairs generally have the form `key=value`, with the exception of localized strings, which have the form `key[locale]=value`, with a locale identifier of the form `lang_COUNTRY@MODIFIER` where `COUNTRY` and `MODIFIER` are optional. Space before and after the '=' character are ignored. Newline, tab, carriage return and backslash characters in value are escaped as \n, \t, \r, and \\, respectively. To preserve leading spaces in values, these can also be escaped as \s.

Key files can store strings (possibly with localized variants), integers, booleans and lists of these. Lists are separated by a separator character, typically ';' or ','. To use the list separator character in a value in a list, it has to be escaped by prefixing it with a backslash.

This syntax is obviously inspired by the .ini files commonly met on Windows, but there are some important differences:

- .ini files use the ';' character to begin comments, key files use the '#' character.

- Key files do not allow for ungrouped keys meaning only comments can precede the first group.

- Key files are always encoded in UTF-8.

- Key and Group names are case-sensitive. For example, a group called [GROUP] is a different from [group].

- .ini files don't have a strongly typed boolean entry type, they only have `GetProfileInt()`. In key files, only true and false (in lower case) are allowed.

Note that in contrast to the Desktop Entry Specification, groups in key files may contain the same key multiple times; the last entry wins. Key files may also contain multiple groups with the same name; they are merged together. Another difference is that keys and group names in key files are not restricted to ASCII characters.

Here is an example of loading a key file and reading a value:

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    g_autoptr(GError) error = NULL;
    g_autoptr(GKeyFile) key_file = g_key_file_new ();

    if (!g_key_file_load_from_file (key_file, "key-file.ini", flags, &error))
      {
        if (!g_error_matches (error, G_FILE_ERROR, G_FILE_ERROR_NOENT))
          g_warning ("Error loading key file: %s", error->message);
        return;
      }

    g_autofree gchar *val = g_key_file_get_string (key_file, "Group Name", "SomeKey", &error);
    if (val == NULL &&
        !g_error_matches (error, G_KEY_FILE_ERROR, G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND))
      {
        g_warning ("Error finding key in key file: %s", error->message);
        return;
      }
    else if (val == NULL)
      {
        // Fall back to a default value.
        val = g_strdup ("default-value");
      }

Here is an example of creating and saving a key file:

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    g_autoptr(GKeyFile) key_file = g_key_file_new ();
    const gchar *val = …;
    g_autoptr(GError) error = NULL;

    g_key_file_set_string (key_file, "Group Name", "SomeKey", val);

    // Save as a file.
    if (!g_key_file_save_to_file (key_file, "key-file.ini", &error))
      {
        g_warning ("Error saving key file: %s", error->message);
        return;
      }

    // Or store to a GBytes for use elsewhere.
    gsize data_len;
    g_autofree guint8 *data = (guint8 *) g_key_file_to_data (key_file, &data_len, &error);
    if (data == NULL)
      {
        g_warning ("Error saving key file: %s", error->message);
        return;
      }
    g_autoptr(GBytes) bytes = g_bytes_new_take (g_steal_pointer (&data), data_len);

## Functions

### g_key_file_new ()

    GKeyFile *
    g_key_file_new (void);

Creates a new empty GKeyFile object. Use `g_key_file_load_from_file()`, `g_key_file_load_from_data()`, `g_key_file_load_from_dirs()` or `g_key_file_load_from_data_dirs()` to read an existing key file.

#### Returns

an empty GKeyFile.

[transfer full]

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_free ()

    void
    g_key_file_free (GKeyFile *key_file);

Clears all keys and groups from `key_file` , and decreases the reference count by 1. If the reference count reaches zero, frees the key file and all its allocated memory.

[skip]

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_ref ()

    GKeyFile *
    g_key_file_ref (GKeyFile *key_file);

Increases the reference count of `key_file` .

[skip]

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |

#### Returns

the same `key_file` .

Since: 2.32

### g_key_file_unref ()

    void
    g_key_file_unref (GKeyFile *key_file);

Decreases the reference count of `key_file` by 1. If the reference count reaches zero, frees the key file and all its allocated memory.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |

Since: 2.32

### g_key_file_set_list_separator ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_list_separator (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                   gchar separator);

Sets the character which is used to separate values in lists. Typically ';' or ',' are used as separators. The default list separator is ';'.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
separator | the separator |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_load_from_file ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_load_from_file (GKeyFile *key_file,
                               const gchar *file,
                               GKeyFileFlags flags,
                               GError **error);

Loads a key file into an empty GKeyFile structure.

If the OS returns an error when opening or reading the file, a `G_FILE_ERROR` is returned. If there is a problem parsing the file, a `G_KEY_FILE_ERROR` is returned.

This function will never return a `G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_NOT_FOUND` error. If the `file` is not found, `G_FILE_ERROR_NOENT` is returned.

#### Parameters

key_file | an empty GKeyFile struct |
file | the path of a filename to load, in the GLib filename encoding. | [type filename]
flags | flags from GKeyFileFlags |
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if a key file could be loaded, `FALSE` otherwise

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_load_from_data ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_load_from_data (GKeyFile *key_file,
                               const gchar *data,
                               gsize length,
                               GKeyFileFlags flags,
                               GError **error);

Loads a key file from memory into an empty GKeyFile structure. If the object cannot be created then `error` is set to a GKeyFileError.

#### Parameters

key_file | an empty GKeyFile struct |
data | key file loaded in memory |
length | the length of `data` in bytes (or (gsize)-1 if data is nul-terminated) |
flags | flags from GKeyFileFlags |
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if a key file could be loaded, `FALSE` otherwise

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_load_from_bytes ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_load_from_bytes (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                GBytes *bytes,
                                GKeyFileFlags flags,
                                GError **error);

Loads a key file from the data in `bytes` into an empty GKeyFile structure. If the object cannot be created then `error` is set to a GKeyFileError.

#### Parameters

key_file | an empty GKeyFile struct |
bytes | a GBytes |
flags | flags from GKeyFileFlags |
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if a key file could be loaded, `FALSE` otherwise

Since: 2.50

### g_key_file_load_from_data_dirs ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_load_from_data_dirs (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                    const gchar *file,
                                    gchar **full_path,
                                    GKeyFileFlags flags,
                                    GError **error);

This function looks for a key file named `file` in the paths returned from `g_get_user_data_dir()` and `g_get_system_data_dirs()`, loads the file into `key_file` and returns the file's full path in `full_path` . If the file could not be loaded then an `error` is set to either a GFileError or GKeyFileError.

#### Parameters

key_file | an empty GKeyFile struct |
file | a relative path to a filename to open and parse. | [type filename]
full_path | return location for a string containing the full path of the file, or `NULL`. | [out][type filename][optional]
flags | flags from GKeyFileFlags |
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if a key file could be loaded, `FALSE` othewise

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_load_from_dirs ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_load_from_dirs (GKeyFile *key_file,
                               const gchar *file,
                               const gchar **search_dirs,
                               gchar **full_path,
                               GKeyFileFlags flags,
                               GError **error);

This function looks for a key file named `file` in the paths specified in `search_dirs` , loads the file into `key_file` and returns the file's full path in `full_path` .

If the file could not be found in any of the `search_dirs` , `G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_NOT_FOUND` is returned. If the file is found but the OS returns an error when opening or reading the file, a `G_FILE_ERROR` is returned. If there is a problem parsing the file, a `G_KEY_FILE_ERROR` is returned.

#### Parameters

key_file | an empty GKeyFile struct |
file | a relative path to a filename to open and parse. | [type filename]
search_dirs | `NULL`-terminated array of directories to search. | [array zero-terminated=1][element-type filename]
full_path | return location for a string containing the full path of the file, or `NULL`. | [out][type filename][optional]
flags | flags from GKeyFileFlags |
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if a key file could be loaded, `FALSE` otherwise

Since: 2.14

### g_key_file_to_data ()

    gchar *
    g_key_file_to_data (GKeyFile *key_file,
                        gsize *length,
                        GError **error);

This function outputs `key_file` as a string.

Note that this function never reports an error, so it is safe to pass `NULL` as `error` .

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
length | return location for the length of the returned string, or `NULL`. | [out][optional]
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

a newly allocated string holding the contents of the GKeyFile

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_save_to_file ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_save_to_file (GKeyFile *key_file,
                             const gchar *filename,
                             GError **error);

Writes the contents of `key_file` to `filename` using `g_file_set_contents()`.

This function can fail for any of the reasons that `g_file_set_contents()` may fail.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
filename | the name of the file to write to |
error | a pointer to a `NULL` GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if successful, else `FALSE` with `error` set

Since: 2.40

### g_key_file_get_start_group ()

    gchar *
    g_key_file_get_start_group (GKeyFile *key_file);

Returns the name of the start group of the file.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |

#### Returns

The start group of the key file.

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_groups ()

    gchar **
    g_key_file_get_groups (GKeyFile *key_file,
                           gsize *length);

Returns all groups in the key file loaded with `key_file` . The array of returned groups will be `NULL`-terminated, so `length` may optionally be `NULL`.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
length | return location for the number of returned groups, or `NULL`. | [out][optional]

#### Returns

a newly-allocated `NULL`-terminated array of strings. Use `g_strfreev()` to free it.

[array zero-terminated=1][transfer full]

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_keys ()

    gchar **
    g_key_file_get_keys (GKeyFile *key_file,
                         const gchar *group_name,
                         gsize *length,
                         GError **error);

Returns all keys for the group name `group_name` . The array of returned keys will be `NULL`-terminated, so `length` may optionally be `NULL`. In the event that the `group_name` cannot be found, `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_GROUP_NOT_FOUND.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
length | return location for the number of keys returned, or `NULL`. | [out][optional]
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

a newly-allocated `NULL`-terminated array of strings. Use `g_strfreev()` to free it.

[array zero-terminated=1][transfer full]

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_has_group ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_has_group (GKeyFile *key_file,
                          const gchar *group_name);

Looks whether the key file has the group `group_name` .

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if `group_name` is a part of `key_file` , `FALSE` otherwise.

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_has_key ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_has_key (GKeyFile *key_file,
                        const gchar *group_name,
                        const gchar *key,
                        GError **error);

Looks whether the key file has the key `key` in the group `group_name` .

Note that this function does not follow the rules for GError strictly; the return value both carries meaning and signals an error. To use this function, you must pass a GError pointer in `error` , and check whether it is not `NULL` to see if an error occurred.

Language bindings should use `g_key_file_get_value()` to test whether or not a key exists.

[skip]

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key name |
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if `key` is a part of `group_name` , `FALSE` otherwise

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_value ()

    gchar *
    g_key_file_get_value (GKeyFile *key_file,
                          const gchar *group_name,
                          const gchar *key,
                          GError **error);

Returns the raw value associated with `key` under `group_name` . Use `g_key_file_get_string()` to retrieve an unescaped UTF-8 string.

In the event the key cannot be found, `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. In the event that the `group_name` cannot be found, `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_GROUP_NOT_FOUND.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

a newly allocated string or `NULL` if the specified key cannot be found.

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_string ()

    gchar *
    g_key_file_get_string (GKeyFile *key_file,
                           const gchar *group_name,
                           const gchar *key,
                           GError **error);

Returns the string value associated with `key` under `group_name` . Unlike `g_key_file_get_value()`, this function handles escape sequences like \s.

In the event the key cannot be found, `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. In the event that the `group_name` cannot be found, `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_GROUP_NOT_FOUND.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

a newly allocated string or `NULL` if the specified key cannot be found.

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_locale_string ()

    gchar *
    g_key_file_get_locale_string (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                  const gchar *group_name,
                                  const gchar *key,
                                  const gchar *locale,
                                  GError **error);

Returns the value associated with `key` under `group_name` translated in the given `locale` if available. If `locale` is `NULL` then the current locale is assumed.

If `locale` is to be non-`NULL`, or if the current locale will change over the lifetime of the GKeyFile, it must be loaded with `G_KEY_FILE_KEEP_TRANSLATIONS` in order to load strings for all locales.

If `key` cannot be found then `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. If the value associated with `key` cannot be interpreted or no suitable translation can be found then the untranslated value is returned.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
locale | a locale identifier or `NULL`. | [nullable]
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

a newly allocated string or `NULL` if the specified key cannot be found.

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_locale_for_key ()

    gchar *
    g_key_file_get_locale_for_key (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                   const gchar *group_name,
                                   const gchar *key,
                                   const gchar *locale);

Returns the actual locale which the result of `g_key_file_get_locale_string()` or `g_key_file_get_locale_string_list()` came from.

If calling `g_key_file_get_locale_string()` or `g_key_file_get_locale_string_list()` with exactly the same `key_file` , `group_name` , `key` and `locale` , the result of those functions will have originally been tagged with the locale that is the result of this function.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
locale | a locale identifier or `NULL`. | [nullable]

#### Returns

the locale from the file, or `NULL` if the key was not found or the entry in the file was was untranslated.

[nullable]

Since: 2.56

### g_key_file_get_boolean ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_get_boolean (GKeyFile *key_file,
                            const gchar *group_name,
                            const gchar *key,
                            GError **error);

Returns the value associated with `key` under `group_name` as a boolean.

If `key` cannot be found then `FALSE` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. Likewise, if the value associated with `key` cannot be interpreted as a boolean then `FALSE` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_INVALID_VALUE.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

the value associated with the key as a boolean, or `FALSE` if the key was not found or could not be parsed.

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_integer ()

    gint
    g_key_file_get_integer (GKeyFile *key_file,
                            const gchar *group_name,
                            const gchar *key,
                            GError **error);

Returns the value associated with `key` under `group_name` as an integer.

If `key` cannot be found then 0 is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. Likewise, if the value associated with `key` cannot be interpreted as an integer, or is out of range for a gint, then 0 is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_INVALID_VALUE.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

the value associated with the key as an integer, or 0 if the key was not found or could not be parsed.

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_int64 ()

    gint64
    g_key_file_get_int64 (GKeyFile *key_file,
                          const gchar *group_name,
                          const gchar *key,
                          GError **error);

Returns the value associated with `key` under `group_name` as a signed 64-bit integer. This is similar to `g_key_file_get_integer()` but can return 64-bit results without truncation.

#### Parameters

key_file | a non-`NULL` GKeyFile |
group_name | a non-`NULL` group name |
key | a non-`NULL` key |
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

the value associated with the key as a signed 64-bit integer, or 0 if the key was not found or could not be parsed.

Since: 2.26

### g_key_file_get_uint64 ()

    guint64
    g_key_file_get_uint64 (GKeyFile *key_file,
                           const gchar *group_name,
                           const gchar *key,
                           GError **error);

Returns the value associated with `key` under `group_name` as an unsigned 64-bit integer. This is similar to `g_key_file_get_integer()` but can return large positive results without truncation.

#### Parameters

key_file | a non-`NULL` GKeyFile |
group_name | a non-`NULL` group name |
key | a non-`NULL` key |
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

the value associated with the key as an unsigned 64-bit integer, or 0 if the key was not found or could not be parsed.

Since: 2.26

### g_key_file_get_double ()

    gdouble
    g_key_file_get_double (GKeyFile *key_file,
                           const gchar *group_name,
                           const gchar *key,
                           GError **error);

Returns the value associated with `key` under `group_name` as a double. If `group_name` is `NULL`, the start_group is used.

If `key` cannot be found then 0.0 is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. Likewise, if the value associated with `key` cannot be interpreted as a double then 0.0 is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_INVALID_VALUE.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

the value associated with the key as a double, or 0.0 if the key was not found or could not be parsed.

Since: 2.12

### g_key_file_get_string_list ()

    gchar **
    g_key_file_get_string_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                const gchar *group_name,
                                const gchar *key,
                                gsize *length,
                                GError **error);

Returns the values associated with `key` under `group_name` .

In the event the key cannot be found, `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. In the event that the `group_name` cannot be found, `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_GROUP_NOT_FOUND.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
length | return location for the number of returned strings, or `NULL`. | [out][optional]
error | return location for a GError, or `NULL` |

#### Returns

a `NULL`-terminated string array or `NULL` if the specified key cannot be found. The array should be freed with `g_strfreev()`.

[array zero-terminated=1 length=length][element-type utf8][transfer full]

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_locale_string_list ()

    gchar **
    g_key_file_get_locale_string_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                       const gchar *group_name,
                                       const gchar *key,
                                       const gchar *locale,
                                       gsize *length,
                                       GError **error);

Returns the values associated with `key` under `group_name` translated in the given `locale` if available. If `locale` is `NULL` then the current locale is assumed.

If `locale` is to be non-`NULL`, or if the current locale will change over the lifetime of the GKeyFile, it must be loaded with `G_KEY_FILE_KEEP_TRANSLATIONS` in order to load strings for all locales.

If `key` cannot be found then `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. If the values associated with `key` cannot be interpreted or no suitable translations can be found then the untranslated values are returned. The returned array is `NULL`-terminated, so `length` may optionally be `NULL`.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
locale | a locale identifier or `NULL`. | [nullable]
length | return location for the number of returned strings or `NULL`. | [out][optional]
error | return location for a GError or `NULL` |

#### Returns

a newly allocated `NULL`-terminated string array or `NULL` if the key isn't found. The string array should be freed with `g_strfreev()`.

[array zero-terminated=1 length=length][element-type utf8][transfer full]

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_boolean_list ()

    gboolean *
    g_key_file_get_boolean_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                 const gchar *group_name,
                                 const gchar *key,
                                 gsize *length,
                                 GError **error);

Returns the values associated with `key` under `group_name` as booleans.

If `key` cannot be found then `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. Likewise, if the values associated with `key` cannot be interpreted as booleans then `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_INVALID_VALUE.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
length | the number of booleans returned. | [out]
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

the values associated with the key as a list of booleans, or `NULL` if the key was not found or could not be parsed. The returned list of booleans should be freed with `g_free()` when no longer needed.

[array length=length][element-type gboolean][transfer container]

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_integer_list ()

    gint *
    g_key_file_get_integer_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                 const gchar *group_name,
                                 const gchar *key,
                                 gsize *length,
                                 GError **error);

Returns the values associated with `key` under `group_name` as integers.

If `key` cannot be found then `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. Likewise, if the values associated with `key` cannot be interpreted as integers, or are out of range for gint, then `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_INVALID_VALUE.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
length | the number of integers returned. | [out]
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

the values associated with the key as a list of integers, or `NULL` if the key was not found or could not be parsed. The returned list of integers should be freed with `g_free()` when no longer needed.

[array length=length][element-type gint][transfer container]

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_get_double_list ()

    gdouble *
    g_key_file_get_double_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                const gchar *group_name,
                                const gchar *key,
                                gsize *length,
                                GError **error);

Returns the values associated with `key` under `group_name` as doubles.

If `key` cannot be found then `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND. Likewise, if the values associated with `key` cannot be interpreted as doubles then `NULL` is returned and `error` is set to G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_INVALID_VALUE.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
length | the number of doubles returned. | [out]
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

the values associated with the key as a list of doubles, or `NULL` if the key was not found or could not be parsed. The returned list of doubles should be freed with `g_free()` when no longer needed.

[array length=length][element-type gdouble][transfer container]

Since: 2.12

### g_key_file_get_comment ()

    gchar *
    g_key_file_get_comment (GKeyFile *key_file,
                            const gchar *group_name,
                            const gchar *key,
                            GError **error);

Retrieves a comment above `key` from `group_name` . If `key` is `NULL` then `comment` will be read from above `group_name` . If both `key` and `group_name` are `NULL`, then `comment` will be read from above the first group in the file.

Note that the returned string does not include the '#' comment markers, but does include any whitespace after them (on each line). It includes the line breaks between lines, but does not include the final line break.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name, or `NULL`. | [nullable]
key | a key |
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

a comment that should be freed with `g_free()`

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_value ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_value (GKeyFile *key_file,
                          const gchar *group_name,
                          const gchar *key,
                          const gchar *value);

Associates a new value with `key` under `group_name` .

If `key` cannot be found then it is created. If `group_name` cannot be found then it is created. To set an UTF-8 string which may contain characters that need escaping (such as newlines or spaces), use `g_key_file_set_string()`.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
value | a string |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_string ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_string (GKeyFile *key_file,
                           const gchar *group_name,
                           const gchar *key,
                           const gchar *string);

Associates a new string value with `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created. If `group_name` cannot be found then it is created. Unlike `g_key_file_set_value()`, this function handles characters that need escaping, such as newlines.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
string | a string |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_locale_string ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_locale_string (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                  const gchar *group_name,
                                  const gchar *key,
                                  const gchar *locale,
                                  const gchar *string);

Associates a string value for `key` and `locale` under `group_name` . If the translation for `key` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
locale | a locale identifier |
string | a string |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_boolean ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_boolean (GKeyFile *key_file,
                            const gchar *group_name,
                            const gchar *key,
                            gboolean value);

Associates a new boolean value with `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
value | `TRUE` or `FALSE` |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_integer ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_integer (GKeyFile *key_file,
                            const gchar *group_name,
                            const gchar *key,
                            gint value);

Associates a new integer value with `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
value | an integer value |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_int64 ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_int64 (GKeyFile *key_file,
                          const gchar *group_name,
                          const gchar *key,
                          gint64 value);

Associates a new integer value with `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
value | an integer value |

Since: 2.26

### g_key_file_set_uint64 ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_uint64 (GKeyFile *key_file,
                           const gchar *group_name,
                           const gchar *key,
                           guint64 value);

Associates a new integer value with `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
value | an integer value |

Since: 2.26

### g_key_file_set_double ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_double (GKeyFile *key_file,
                           const gchar *group_name,
                           const gchar *key,
                           gdouble value);

Associates a new double value with `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
value | a double value |

Since: 2.12

### g_key_file_set_string_list ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_string_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                const gchar *group_name,
                                const gchar *key,
                                const gchar * const list[],
                                gsize length);

Associates a list of string values for `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created. If `group_name` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
list | an array of string values. | [array zero-terminated=1 length=length][element-type utf8]
length | number of string values in `list` |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_locale_string_list ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_locale_string_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                       const gchar *group_name,
                                       const gchar *key,
                                       const gchar *locale,
                                       const gchar * const list[],
                                       gsize length);

Associates a list of string values for `key` and `locale` under `group_name` . If the translation for `key` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
locale | a locale identifier |
list | a `NULL`-terminated array of locale string values. | [array zero-terminated=1 length=length]
length | the length of `list` |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_boolean_list ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_boolean_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                 const gchar *group_name,
                                 const gchar *key,
                                 gboolean list[],
                                 gsize length);

Associates a list of boolean values with `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created. If `group_name` is `NULL`, the start_group is used.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
list | an array of boolean values. | [array length=length]
length | length of `list` |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_integer_list ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_integer_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                 const gchar *group_name,
                                 const gchar *key,
                                 gint list[],
                                 gsize length);

Associates a list of integer values with `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
list | an array of integer values. | [array length=length]
length | number of integer values in `list` |

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_set_double_list ()

    void
    g_key_file_set_double_list (GKeyFile *key_file,
                                const gchar *group_name,
                                const gchar *key,
                                gdouble list[],
                                gsize length);

Associates a list of double values with `key` under `group_name` . If `key` cannot be found then it is created.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key |
list | an array of double values. | [array length=length]
length | number of double values in `list` |

Since: 2.12

### g_key_file_set_comment ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_set_comment (GKeyFile *key_file,
                            const gchar *group_name,
                            const gchar *key,
                            const gchar *comment,
                            GError **error);

Places a comment above `key` from `group_name` .

If `key` is `NULL` then `comment` will be written above `group_name` . If both `key` and `group_name` are `NULL`, then `comment` will be written above the first group in the file.

Note that this function prepends a '#' comment marker to each line of `comment` .

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name, or `NULL`. | [nullable]
key | a key. | [nullable]
comment | a comment |
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if the comment was written, `FALSE` otherwise

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_remove_group ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_remove_group (GKeyFile *key_file,
                             const gchar *group_name,
                             GError **error);

Removes the specified group, `group_name` , from the key file.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
error | return location for a GError or `NULL` |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if the group was removed, `FALSE` otherwise

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_remove_key ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_remove_key (GKeyFile *key_file,
                           const gchar *group_name,
                           const gchar *key,
                           GError **error);

Removes `key` in `group_name` from the key file.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name |
key | a key name to remove |
error | return location for a GError or `NULL` |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if the key was removed, `FALSE` otherwise

Since: 2.6

### g_key_file_remove_comment ()

    gboolean
    g_key_file_remove_comment (GKeyFile *key_file,
                               const gchar *group_name,
                               const gchar *key,
                               GError **error);

Removes a comment above `key` from `group_name` . If `key` is `NULL` then `comment` will be removed above `group_name` . If both `key` and `group_name` are `NULL`, then `comment` will be removed above the first group in the file.

#### Parameters

key_file | a GKeyFile |
group_name | a group name, or `NULL`. | [nullable]
key | a key. | [nullable]
error | return location for a GError |

#### Returns

`TRUE` if the comment was removed, `FALSE` otherwise

Since: 2.6

## Types and Values

### GKeyFile

    typedef struct _GKeyFile GKeyFile;

The GKeyFile struct contains only private data and should not be accessed directly.

### G_KEY_FILE_ERROR

    #define G_KEY_FILE_ERROR g_key_file_error_quark()

Error domain for key file parsing. Errors in this domain will be from the GKeyFileError enumeration.

See GError for information on error domains.

### enum GKeyFileError

Error codes returned by key file parsing.

#### Members

G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ENCODING | the text being parsed was in an unknown encoding |
G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_PARSE | document was ill-formed |
G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_NOT_FOUND | the file was not found |
G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_KEY_NOT_FOUND | a requested key was not found |
G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_GROUP_NOT_FOUND | a requested group was not found |
G_KEY_FILE_ERROR_INVALID_VALUE | a value could not be parsed |

### enum GKeyFileFlags

Flags which influence the parsing.

#### Members

G_KEY_FILE_NONE | No flags, default behaviour |
G_KEY_FILE_KEEP_COMMENTS | Use this flag if you plan to write the (possibly modified) contents of the key file back to a file; otherwise all comments will be lost when the key file is written back. |
G_KEY_FILE_KEEP_TRANSLATIONS | Use this flag if you plan to write the (possibly modified) contents of the key file back to a file; otherwise only the translations for the current language will be written back. |

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP                "Desktop Entry"

The name of the main group of a desktop entry file, as defined in the Desktop Entry Specification. Consult the specification for more details about the meanings of the keys below.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TYPE

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TYPE             "Type"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a string giving the type of the desktop entry. Usually G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_APPLICATION, G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_LINK, or G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_DIRECTORY.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_VERSION

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_VERSION          "Version"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a string giving the version of the Desktop Entry Specification used for the desktop entry file.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_NAME

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_NAME             "Name"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a localized string giving the specific name of the desktop entry.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_GENERIC_NAME

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_GENERIC_NAME     "GenericName"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a localized string giving the generic name of the desktop entry.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_NO_DISPLAY

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_NO_DISPLAY       "NoDisplay"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a boolean stating whether the desktop entry should be shown in menus.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_COMMENT

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_COMMENT          "Comment"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a localized string giving the tooltip for the desktop entry.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_ICON

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_ICON             "Icon"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a localized string giving the name of the icon to be displayed for the desktop entry.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_HIDDEN

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_HIDDEN           "Hidden"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a boolean stating whether the desktop entry has been deleted by the user.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_ONLY_SHOW_IN

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_ONLY_SHOW_IN     "OnlyShowIn"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a list of strings identifying the environments that should display the desktop entry.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_NOT_SHOW_IN

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_NOT_SHOW_IN      "NotShowIn"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a list of strings identifying the environments that should not display the desktop entry.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TRY_EXEC

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TRY_EXEC         "TryExec"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a string giving the file name of a binary on disk used to determine if the program is actually installed. It is only valid for desktop entries with the `Application` type.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_EXEC

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_EXEC             "Exec"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a string giving the command line to execute. It is only valid for desktop entries with the `Application` type.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_PATH

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_PATH             "Path"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a string containing the working directory to run the program in. It is only valid for desktop entries with the `Application` type.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TERMINAL

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TERMINAL         "Terminal"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a boolean stating whether the program should be run in a terminal window. It is only valid for desktop entries with the `Application` type.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_MIME_TYPE

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_MIME_TYPE        "MimeType"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a list of strings giving the MIME types supported by this desktop entry.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_CATEGORIES

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_CATEGORIES       "Categories"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a list of strings giving the categories in which the desktop entry should be shown in a menu.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_STARTUP_NOTIFY

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_STARTUP_NOTIFY   "StartupNotify"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a boolean stating whether the application supports the Startup Notification Protocol Specification.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_STARTUP_WM_CLASS

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_STARTUP_WM_CLASS "StartupWMClass"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is string identifying the WM class or name hint of a window that the application will create, which can be used to emulate Startup Notification with older applications.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_URL

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_URL              "URL"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a string giving the URL to access. It is only valid for desktop entries with the `Link` type.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_ACTIONS

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_ACTIONS          "Actions"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a string list giving the available application actions.

Since: 2.38

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_DBUS_ACTIVATABLE

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_DBUS_ACTIVATABLE "DBusActivatable"

A key under G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_GROUP, whose value is a boolean set to true if the application is D-Bus activatable.

Since: 2.38

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_APPLICATION

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_APPLICATION     "Application"

The value of the G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TYPE, key for desktop entries representing applications.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_LINK

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_LINK            "Link"

The value of the G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TYPE, key for desktop entries representing links to documents.

Since: 2.14

### G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_DIRECTORY

    #define G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_TYPE_DIRECTORY       "Directory"

The value of the G_KEY_FILE_DESKTOP_KEY_TYPE, key for desktop entries representing directories.

Since: 2.14