Verknüpfungsdateien

Verknüpfungsdateien, often referred to as shortcuts in English-speaking regions, are special files in various operating systems, most notably Microsoft Windows, that serve as pointers to other files, folders, or applications. Instead of containing the actual data or program code, a verknüpfungsdatei stores the path to the target item. When a user interacts with a verknüpfungsdatei, the operating system reads the stored path and opens the original item. This allows for convenient access to frequently used resources without needing to navigate complex directory structures.

The primary purpose of verknüpfungsdateien is to simplify user interaction. They can be placed on the desktop, in the Start menu, or within other folders, providing quick access to programs, documents, or network locations. This reduces the need to repeatedly search for the same item, enhancing productivity. Furthermore, verknüpfungsdateien can be moved, copied, or deleted independently of the original item. Deleting a verknüpfungsdatei does not affect the target file or folder.

In Windows, verknüpfungsdateien typically have the file extension .lnk. They can be created by right-clicking on the target item and selecting "Create shortcut" or by dragging the target item while holding down the Alt key. These files are small in size as they only contain path information and sometimes optional arguments for launching an application. Their lightweight nature and ease of use make them a fundamental part of modern operating system user interfaces.