In
computing, a file shortcut is a
handle in a
user interface that allows the user to find a file or
resource located in a different
directory
Directory may refer to:
* Directory (computing), or folder, a file system structure in which to store computer files
* Directory (OpenVMS command)
* Directory service, a software application for organizing information about a computer network's u ...
or
folder from the place where the shortcut is located. Similarly, an Internet shortcut allows the user to open a page, file or resource located at a remote Internet location or Web site.
Shortcuts are typically implemented as a small file containing a target
URI Uri may refer to:
Places
* Canton of Uri, a canton in Switzerland
* Úri, a village and commune in Hungary
* Uri, Iran, a village in East Azerbaijan Province
* Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, a town in India
* Uri (island), an island off Malakula Islan ...
or
GUID
A universally unique identifier (UUID) is a 128-bit label used for information in computer systems. The term globally unique identifier (GUID) is also used.
When generated according to the standard methods, UUIDs are, for practical purposes, uni ...
to an ''object'', or the name of a target program file that the shortcut represents. The shortcut might additionally specify
parameters to be passed to the target program when it is run. Each shortcut can have its own icon. Shortcuts are very commonly placed on a
desktop, in an
application launcher panel
Utility software is software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer. It is used to support the computer infrastructure - in contrast to application software, which is aimed at directly performing tasks that benefit ord ...
such as the
Microsoft Windows
Windows is a group of several proprietary graphical operating system families developed and marketed by Microsoft. Each family caters to a certain sector of the computing industry. For example, Windows NT for consumers, Windows Server for serv ...
Start menu, or in the main menu of a
desktop environment. The functional equivalent in the Macintosh operating system is called an