The 'alias' file extension typically refers to a symbolic link or shortcut file created by an operating system, most commonly associated with macOS (where they are often referred to as 'Alias' files) or sometimes used in specific application contexts for configuration or redirection. Unlike a standard shortcut that points to a file or folder, an alias file in macOS is a sophisticated object that maintains its link even if the target file is moved, renamed, or resides on a different mounted volume. This resilience is achieved because the alias file stores multiple identifiers for the target, including its unique file ID. In other contexts, 'alias' might refer to a configuration file used by specific command-line shells (like Bash or Zsh) to store user-defined shortcuts for frequently used commands, though these are usually plain text configuration files rather than distinct binary file types. When encountered as a standalone file extension, it usually signifies a system-level pointer designed to simplify navigation and access to resources without duplicating the actual data.