Projects
Released on 2021.
Linker: Universal Deep Link & Clipboard Bridge

Linker: Universal Deep Link & Clipboard Bridge

A versatile Android utility app that bridges system limitations by enabling deep link testing, universal text clipboard copying, and image clipboard management across apps that don't natively support these features.

Linker is an Android utility application that bridges critical gaps in the Android ecosystem by providing three essential features: deep link testing and management, universal clipboard text copying, and cross-app image clipboard functionality. Built with Kotlin and designed for developers and power users, Linker solves system-level limitations that affect daily Android usage.

Core Features

Feature 1: Universal Text Clipboard Bridge

Solving OEM Customization Issues Many Android manufacturers (especially Xiaomi with HyperOS) remove the standard Copy to Clipboard option from share menus, even though it's been available since Android 10.

How It Works:

  • Linker registers as a share target for text content
  • Instantly copies shared text to clipboard
  • Works across all Android versions and OEM customizations

Real-World Use Cases:

  • Google Play Store: Copy app links that only offer "Share" functionality
  • Any App: Universal clipboard copying when native support is missing
  • OEM Workaround: Bypass manufacturer limitations on clipboard access

Feature 2: Advanced Image Clipboard Management

Understanding Android's Clipboard Challenge Android's clipboard doesn't store actual image files due to size constraints. Instead, it uses URI references through content providers, but most apps don't implement this complex flow.

Linker's Technical Solution:

  1. Receives image via Android's SEND intent
  2. Generates proper content provider URI
  3. Grants necessary permissions
  4. Places URI reference on system clipboard
  5. Makes image available to clipboard-aware apps

Supported Workflow:

  • Gallery App -> Share Image -> Linker -> Content Provider URI -> System Clipboard -> Supported Apps (Telegram, Facebook Messenger, etc.)

Integration Benefits:

  • Google Gboard: Images appear in Gboard's clipboard suggestion bar
  • Cross-App Compatibility: Works with apps supporting content clipboard protocol
  • Universal Bridge: Connects apps that don't natively support image clipboard

Comprehensive Protocol Support Linker supports a wide range of deep link protocols for testing and direct app launching:

  • Social Media: https://fb.me/, https://m.me/username, https://t.me/username, fb://page/, instagram://user?username=
  • Communication: viber://phone, mailto:, sms:, tel:
  • System: geo:, market://launch?id=, app://open.my.app/
  • Custom Protocols: myapp://, customscheme:// etc ...

Local Storage with Room Database

  • Persistent storage of frequently used deep links
  • Quick access to saved links for rapid testing
  • History tracking for recently used deep links

Use Cases:

  • Developer Testing: Rapid deep link validation during app development
  • Direct App Access: Launch native apps directly instead of using browsers
  • Social Media Integration: Direct access to Facebook, Instagram, Telegram profiles

Technical Architecture

Modern Android Development

  • Kotlin: Modern Android development with coroutines for smooth performance
  • Room Database: Persistent local storage for deep link management
  • Material Design: Clean, consistent UI following Android guidelines
  • Intent System: Advanced intent handling for share targets and deep links

System-Level Integration

  • Content Provider Management: Proper URI generation and permission handling
  • Clipboard API: Direct integration with Android's ClipboardManager
  • Cross-OEM Compatibility: Solutions that work across manufacturer customizations

Impact & Use Cases

For Developers

  • Deep Link Testing: Quick validation of app integration points
  • Development Workflows: Streamlined testing of social media integrations
  • QA Tools: Systematic verification of app-to-app communication

For Power Users

  • OEM Workarounds: Consistent functionality across manufacturer customizations
  • Workflow Optimization: Faster content sharing and clipboard management
  • App Ecosystem Bridge: Universal solutions for system limitations

Technical Innovation

Linker demonstrates advanced Android development by addressing fundamental system limitations:

  • Deep System Knowledge: Understanding of Android's intent system and content providers
  • Cross-Platform Solutions: Working around OEM customizations and system variations
  • Complex Framework Integration: Implementing clipboard protocols most apps ignore

Open Source & Community

As an open-source project, Linker provides:

  • Educational Value: Demonstrating advanced Android development techniques
  • Community Benefit: Solving common problems affecting millions of Android users
  • Collaborative Development: Welcoming contributions and improvements

Linker represents the perfect intersection of system-level Android development and practical utility creation, solving everyday frustrations while providing valuable tools for developers and power users alike.

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