.DESKLINK File Extension
Desktop Shortcut
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity | |
| Category | System Files |
| Format | .DESKLINK |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an DESKLINK file?
The .DESKLINK file extension is associated with desktop shortcut files in Microsoft Windows operating systems.
These files are typically small in size and serve as pointers or links to applications, documents, or other types of files, enabling users to access them quickly from the desktop.
A .DESKLINK file essentially acts as a convenient way to open a file or a program without navigating through the entire file system.
More Information.
The history of the .DESKLINK file is closely tied to the development of Microsoft Windows. In the early days of computing, operating systems were text-based, requiring users to type commands to perform tasks.
With the advent of GUIs, particularly with Windows 95, the desktop became a central component of the user experience.
Shortcuts were introduced as a way to provide quick access to frequently used files and applications directly from the desktop.
The .DESKLINK file, as a type of shortcut file, was created to serve this purpose. When a user creates a shortcut on the desktop, the system generates a .DESKLINK file that points to the actual location of the target file or application.
This allowed users to declutter their desktops by not having to store actual files on them, reducing the risk of accidental deletions or modifications.
Origin Of This File.
The .DESKLINK file extension originates from the need for quick access to frequently used files and applications on a user’s desktop.
As personal computers became more prevalent in the late 20th century, the concept of a graphical user interface (GUI) took hold, offering users a more intuitive way to interact with their operating systems.
Shortcuts, including those associated with the .DESKLINK extension, were introduced as part of this evolution to enhance usability by reducing the number of steps required to open a file or program.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The .DESKLINK file is a type of shortcut file, similar to the more widely recognized .LNK files used in Windows.
These files do not contain the actual content of the target file or application but instead hold metadata that tells the operating system where to find the original file.
The structure of a .DESKLINK file typically includes the following components:
- Target Path: The full path to the file or application that the shortcut points to.
- Working Directory: The directory from which the target file or application should be executed.
- Arguments: Optional command-line arguments that can be passed to the target application upon execution.
- Icon Location: Information about the icon to be displayed for the shortcut, which can be either an embedded icon or one from another file.
- File Size: The size of the shortcut file itself, which is generally very small.
Technically, .DESKLINK files are binary files, meaning they are not human-readable and require appropriate software (in this case, the Windows operating system) to interpret and execute them correctly.
How to Convert the File?
Converting a .DESKLINK file directly to another file format is generally not necessary, as these files are specific to the Windows operating system’s shortcut system.
If you need to create a similar shortcut in another operating system, you would typically do so using that system’s native method for creating shortcuts or symbolic links.
For example, in macOS, you would create an Alias, and in Linux, you might use a symbolic link (symlink) via the terminal. While these are not direct conversions, they serve the same purpose as a .DESKLINK file on their respective platforms.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Convenience: The primary advantage of .DESKLINK files is the convenience they offer. By providing quick access to files and applications, they save users time and effort.
- Organizational Efficiency: These shortcuts allow users to organize their desktops without cluttering them with actual files, helping to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
- Space Saving: Since .DESKLINK files are merely pointers, they take up minimal disk space compared to storing the actual files on the desktop.
- Customization: Users can customize the icon of the shortcut, making it easier to visually distinguish between different shortcuts on the desktop.
Disadvantages:
- Dependency on Original Files: A significant drawback of .DESKLINK files is that they depend on the original file or application. If the target file is moved or deleted, the shortcut becomes invalid, leading to potential frustration and confusion.
- Security Risks: Shortcuts can pose security risks if they point to malicious files or applications. Users might unintentionally execute harmful software by clicking on a seemingly harmless shortcut.
- Limited Use Outside Windows: .DESKLINK files are specific to Windows, which limits their usefulness on other operating systems. They are not natively supported on macOS or Linux, reducing their portability.
How to Open DESKLINK?
Open In Windows
- In Windows, .DESKLINK files are automatically interpreted and executed by the operating system. Simply double-clicking on the shortcut will open the target file or application. No special software is required to open these files, as they are natively supported by the Windows environment.
Open In Linux
- Like macOS, Linux does not support .DESKLINK files out of the box. To replicate the functionality of a .DESKLINK file in Linux, you would typically create a symbolic link using the
ln -scommand in the terminal. This link would act as a shortcut to the desired file or application.
Open In MAC
- macOS does not natively support .DESKLINK files. Attempting to open a .DESKLINK file on a Mac will not yield any useful result. Instead, you would need to manually create an Alias to the target file or application, which serves a similar purpose.
