Desktop launcher for Thunderbird-launching script in 19.10?

I've been using Ubuntu 19.10 for 3 weeks. I had to install Thunderbird manually because the profile migrating from my Mac is for version 68.4.2, one release ahead of the repository available in Ubuntu Software. After the manual install Thunderbird doesn't show up in the Applications grid and must be launched from Terminal. Instead of typing every time, I would prefer to have a persistent icon/favorite in the Dock or a launcher on the Desktop.

I followed these instructions to install Thunderbird 68.4.2:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/installing-thunderbird-linux

To launch Thunderbird, now I have to enter "~/thunderbird/thunderbird" in terminal to launch the script that launches Thunderbird. So, I started following directions to create a launcher on the Desktop and learned that recent Ubuntu versions really don't make this easy at all. I already had Gnome Tweaks installed, then enabled the Desktop Icons extension in Tweaks and downloaded a png icon. I followed instructions on several webpages/forums with no success. This one was pretty helpful in explaining a few Ubuntu roadblocks, but it's still not working on my computer:

gnome-desktop-item-edit: command not found on Ubuntu 19.10

Example of the file I created in ~/local/share/applications/ and copied to ~/Desktop and marked as executable in properties:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Thunderbird
Exec=~/thunderbird/thunderbird
Type=Application
Terminal=false
Icon=~/.local/share/icons/thunderbird-icon-blue.png
NoDisplay=false
Comment=Why are shortcuts so obtuse when they are so useful

It shows up as a generic file on the desktop, but doesn't work. Rebooted, doesn't work. Double-clicking on the generic icon does nothing and the custom icon does not show.

Is my syntax wrong? I've tried some variations like full paths for Exec and Icon, but no dice. Is the basic thing of a launcher for a script an impossible ask in 19.10?

One workaround I see is to activate PPA for Mozilla, but it doesn't seem sensible to activate installing betas when I want to use a legit Thunderbird release version that hasn't quite crept into the master Ubuntu repository yet. If I do enable PPA for Mozilla, I don't know if I'd have control to only update Thunderbird this one time, then disable PPA. I don't plan to update Thunderbird again once the icon is working.

Thank you and please accommodate my low fluency in Linux by spelling things out.

Solution 1:

First condition of course is to create a valid desktop file. Put your desktop file in the hidden folder .local/share/applications in your home folder. Within seconds, you should be able to find it automatically in the Applications Overview or by searching for it. If you can launch the application from there, the desktop file is OK.

You then could also place it on the Desktop. To that aim, copy it in the "Desktop" folder in your home folder. It should now appear on your desktop, however with a generic icon. Right-click the icon and select "Allow launching" to turn it into a working application launcher on your desktop.