A is an icon that does not directly represent a file, folder or application but serves as a link to it?​

Shortcut

Explanation:

A file can be defined as a computer resource that avails end users the ability to store or record data as a single unit on a computer storage device.

Generally, all files are identified by a name, icon, size, and type (format) such as audio, image, video, document, system, text, etc.

Furthermore, files are organized or arranged in directories. These directories are paths that describes the location wherein a file is stored on a computer system.

A software can be defined as a set of executable instructions (codes) or collection of data that is used typically to instruct a computer on how to perform a specific task and solve a particular problem. Thus, it's a computer program or application that comprises of sets of code for performing specific tasks on the system.

In Computer science, it's possible to create a shortcut in several directories (locations) on a computer, so as to reference a file, folder or software application and serve as an executable link.

Hence, a shortcut is an icon that does not directly represent a file, folder or application but serves as a link to it.

Additionally, deleting the shortcut of a data file, folder or software application would not permanently delete or uninstall the main data file respectively.

add the following

i belive the answer you are looking for is d: the nether