Does Linux have folders like %appdata% and ProgramData?

On Windows, these folders get filled up with all kinds of nonsense that programs you uninstalled left behind. ProgramData is a hidden C folder, and %appdata% is usually accessed via search. They contain savegames, configuration files, etc. As time passes, most of it becomes trash which plugs up your drive.

Does Linux have such hidden folders where programs leave their files without asking you? I know about usr/share/applications, and about the hidden ctrl+H folder .local/share/applications. I dont relly know the difference between those two, I only know that if you put something in the latter, that it will change your settings. Please educate me. Where do programs put their files, and do some stay behind after you uninstall them?

Solution 1:

If you turn on show hidden folders at your Home location there are a bunch of folders indeed like ~/.thunderbird etc. I find all my needed saves and settings there.

In most file managers including GNOME Files (a. k. a. Nautilus) you can press Ctrl+H to toggle the display of hidden files.