verknüpfungsdatei

A verknüpfungsdatei, often referred to as a shortcut file, is a type of small file used in some operating systems, most notably Microsoft Windows, to provide quick access to another file, folder, or application. It does not contain the actual data of the target item but rather a reference to its location. When a verknüpfungsdatei is double-clicked, the operating system follows the stored path to open the intended item. This mechanism allows users to place shortcuts to frequently used items in convenient locations, such as the desktop or a specific folder, without duplicating the original data.

The internal structure of a verknüpfungsdatei includes information such as the path to the target item, command-line arguments that can be passed to an executable, a working directory, and an icon to visually represent the shortcut. These files typically have the .lnk extension. They are distinct from symbolic links or hard links found in other operating systems, offering a simpler, user-facing abstraction. Verknüpfungsdateien can also store attributes like whether the target should be run in a maximized window or if it's a network resource. They are a fundamental part of the user interface for managing and accessing files and programs efficiently.