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I want to know if it's possible to use a folder shortcut as an enviroment variable element.

I'm using a specific folder layout to organize my programming libraries, similar to the OSX Frameworks layout:

Library root ->  
   Versions ->  
      1.0 ->  
         Include  
         Lib  
      2.0 ->  
         Include  
         Lib  
   Include (shortcut to one of the Includes in Versions)  
   Lib (shortcut to one of the Lib ins Versions)

This way I can specify a default version, but I'm also able to use any other versions.
My problem is that Visual Studio doesn't link my projects if I use the shortcuts for the LIB environment variable, but it works if I use the original folder.

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I don't understand this question. Please edit your question to explain what you want a little more clearly. Perhaps with an example of what you want to achieve. – Nifle Sep 24 '11 at 16:27
Hmm, are you perhaps looking for something like LD_LIBRARY_PATH or LIBPATH for windows? – Nifle Sep 24 '11 at 16:30
@Nifle: My problem was about using folder shortcuts (an Explorer feature) in a environment variable (I use the LIB variable for D language libraries). The solution is using a symlink or junction instead of a folder shortcut (check grawity's answer). – ludovic.silvestre Sep 26 '11 at 12:08
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1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Your problem is that shortcuts are not a system-wide feature – they get special treatment only inside the Explorer shell. Usage "in environment variables" is irrelevant here.

Instead of shortcuts, you can use junctions or symlinks through mklink – both work at filesystem level and will be supported by all programs.

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A folder shortcut, AKA Hardlink, AKA junction. If I wasn't out of 24hr votes, I'd vote this. . Gotta bookmark for later. – surfasb Sep 24 '11 at 18:42
@surfasb: Except folder shortcuts are not hardlinks, which are not symlinks, which are not junctions. They are four separate functions. – grawity Sep 24 '11 at 18:46
Ack, I was thinking a (common noun) shortcut to a folder, not (proper noun)Shortcut to a folder. – surfasb Sep 24 '11 at 18:52
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