Demystifying NSCocoaErrorDomain: Resolving ‘Could not Find the Specified Shortcut’ (Error Code 4)”

If you’ve encountered the error message “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4” while working with your system or application, you’re not alone. This error, typically associated with the NSCocoaErrorDomain, can be frustrating but is usually manageable with the right troubleshooting steps.

Understanding the Error

Let’s break down the components of this error message:

• Error Domain (NSCocoaErrorDomain): NSCocoaErrorDomain is a domain for errors originating from Cocoa frameworks. It indicates that the error is related to Cocoa APIs on macOS, iOS, watchOS, or tvOS.
• Error Code (4): In this context, Error Code 4 signifies a specific error condition. Different error codes denote different issues or scenarios within the Cocoa framework.
• Error Message (“Could not find the specified shortcut.”): This message provides context for the error, indicating that the specified shortcut, likely a file, resource, or operation, could not be located or accessed by the application or system.

Error Domain=NSCocoaErrorDomain Code=518 “The file couldn’t be saved because the specified URL type isn’t supported.”

Hello, I’m trying to save some Strings in a csv document:

        var tempString = String()
        for Rezept in alleRezepte {
            tempString += "\(Rezept.name), \(Rezept.description), \(Rezept.nutrients), \(Rezept.whatToDo)\n"
        }
        let dirs = (NSSearchPathForDirectoriesInDomains(.documentDirectory, .allDomainsMask, true) as? [String])
        let path = dirs?[0].appending("rezepte.csv")
        let url = URL(string: path!)
        do {
            try tempString.write(to: url!, atomically: true, encoding: String.Encoding.utf8)
        } catch {
            print(error)
        }
        print("Daten gesichert")

====================

My code looks like that:

var fileName = "rezepte.csv"
var tempString = String()
        for Rezept in alleRezepte {
            tempString += "\(Rezept.name), \(Rezept.description), \(Rezept.nutrients), \(Rezept.whatToDo)\n"
}


let docDirURL = try! FileManager.default.url(for: .documentDirectory, in: .allDomainsMask, appropriateFor: nil, create: true)
let fileURL = docDirURL.appendingPathComponent(fileName)

try! tempString.write(to: fileURL, atomically: true, encoding: String.Encoding.utf8)

print("Daten gesichert")

Thank you both QuinceyMorris and eskimo!

More resolving issue 

And I get this error:

CFURLCopyResourcePropertyForKey failed because it was passed an URL which has no scheme

Error Domain=NSCocoaErrorDomain Code=518 “The file couldn’t be saved because the specified URL type isn’t supported.”

How can I fix this?

Thank you for helping.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this error:

1. Check the Shortcut or Resource: Start by verifying the shortcut or resource referenced in the error message. Ensure that it exists and is accessible from the application or system encountering the error. If the shortcut or resource has been moved, deleted, or renamed, update the reference accordingly.
2. Permissions and Access: Ensure that the application or process encountering the error has the necessary permissions and access rights to the shortcut or resource in question. Check file permissions, folder permissions, and any access controls that may be affecting the ability to locate or use the shortcut.
3. Path and Location: Double-check the path or location specified for the shortcut. Any discrepancies in the path, such as typos or incorrect directory structures, can lead to the “could not find” error. Correct the path if necessary to accurately reference the shortcut.
4. File Integrity: If the shortcut points to a file, verify the integrity of the file itself. Ensure that it has not been corrupted or modified in a way that prevents it from being located or accessed by the application. Consider restoring the file from a backup if needed.
5. Update or Reinstall the Application: If the error persists despite verifying the shortcut and permissions, consider updating or reinstalling the application encountering the error. Software updates or a fresh installation may resolve any underlying issues with the application’s functionality or resource management.
6. Check System Logs: Review system logs for any additional information or error messages related to the NSCocoaErrorDomain error code 4. System logs can provide valuable insights into the underlying cause of the error and help identify potential solutions.
7. Consult Documentation or Support: Refer to the documentation or support resources provided by the application or system encountering the error. Often, developers or support teams offer guidance or troubleshooting steps specific to their software or platform.

Conclusion

Encountering errors like “Could not find the specified shortcut” can be frustrating, but with systematic troubleshooting and attention to detail, you can often identify and resolve the underlying issues. By verifying shortcuts, checking permissions, and reviewing system logs, you can effectively diagnose and address NSCocoaErrorDomain error code 4, restoring functionality to your application or system.