windows-shortcut-maker

Native and lightweight module to make file shortcuts on Windows using Node.js

This module uses a Windows VBScript file to get native access to the operational system API responsible for making file shortcuts.

Why this module is great?

• Although it is native, there is no need to compile anything.
• It is totally open source and uses no binary files, no external dependencies and no bizarre workarounds.
• Supports all Windows NT 4.0 (and beyond) systems.
• The module is extremely small and provides access to the entire API.

Installation:

$ npm install @phtdacosta/windows-shortcut-maker --save

Basic usage:

// Requires the Windows Shortcut Maker module
const sm = require('windows-shortcut-maker')
 
// Creates an object to store any and all parameters to be passed to the Windows API
const options = {
    'filepath': 'C:\\Program Files\\GIMP 2\\bin\\gimp-2.8.exe'
}
 
// It creates a "GIMP" shortcut file in the desktop
try {
    sm.makeSync(options)
} catch (error) {
    console.log(error)
}

Documentation

makeSync(options)

Returns void after synchronously executing the wrapped script which makes the Windows API calls or an Error if no valid filepath parameter property was previously specified.

options is an Object that organizedly stores the properties used by the function. Each one is covered below.

options.filepath is the absolute path including the name of which file should the module make a shortcut. It is required for the function to work.

Optional: options.lnkName is the name given for the new shortcut file which obeys the same name rules as a regular file does.

Optional: options.lnkArgs are the arguments passed to the original file when the new shortcut is executed.

Optional: options.lnkDes is the description message shown when the cursor stands over the new shortcut without clicking it.

Optional: options.lnkCwd is the absolute path to which folder the original file should start executing.

Optional: options.lnkIco is the absolute path to an .ico extension image used as the icon for the new shortcut.

Optional: options.lnkWin is the initial window mode adopted by the original file when executed. (e.g. 3 is maximized, 4 is normal and 7 is minimized)

Optional: options.lnkHtk is the key combination that is going to trigger the new shortcut execution. (e.g. 'ALT+CTRL+F')

License

This project exists under the GPL-3.0 license.

Development

1. Add an asynchronous function version of makeSync.
2. Let developers to make shortcuts anywhere.
3. Add support for making internet shortcuts.