QlynkWhy does a GitHub link open in the browser?
GitHub links are short but often shared in emails or messaging apps, where they open in the browser, without the reader’s notifications or account. Qlynk recognizes github.com followed by a username, optionally a repository name and a path (issues, branches), and prepares them to open in the GitHub app.
How to do it with Qlynk
- Copy the profile, repository or issue address from GitHub.
- Paste it into Qlynk. With Pro, choose the end of the link.
- Share it: the GitHub app opens for people who have it installed.
On iPhone, Qlynk sends the original GitHub address: iOS opens the app if it’s installed, with no error message. On Android, the link opens the app, or the web page if the app isn’t installed. On a computer, the page opens as usual.
When is it useful?
- Putting your developer profile in a signature or on a business card
- Sending a client the repository of a delivered project
- Sharing a pull request or a specific issue with a collaborator
- Showing a QR code to a repository on a conference slide
Which GitHub links open the app?
| Link type | Example address |
|---|---|
| Profile | https://github.com/username |
| Repository | https://github.com/username/reponame |
| Issue | https://github.com/username/reponame/issues/12 |
Paste any of these addresses into Qlynk: the short link you get will open GitHub on phones.
Frequently asked questions
Do private repositories open?
Only if the visitor has access rights in their GitHub account. Qlynk does not get around any rights.
Which addresses are recognized?
github.com followed by a username, then optionally a repository name and a path.
Are GitHub Pages sites recognized?
No. They are on github.io and the short link does a regular redirect.