how does browser launch email client and similar

[SaintDanBert]

From a browser, I can select File --> Send Link... and after some click & whirr, I get a compose email window. That other operating system call is MAPI (messaging application programming interface). How is this accomplished on a Linux workstation?

I happen to use Mint-12 with Cinnamon. Is the current how-it-works configurable and part of the various desktop settings? Does it use dbus? Is there any howto written?

I remember from years past some code I used that passed a command-line with the system( ... ) function call that launched a shell, yada yada. The command line was filled by details from the app configuration data: program to run, options, input files, etc.

Why do I want to know? I have a problem that I'm trying to solve where the stuff showing in the compose email window is damaged. As a result, I need to track down where the damage happens: sending app, in transports, email client, trolls and gremlins? I have an app of my building that wants to do the same things in harmony with the linux world and I'm loathe to re-invent anything ... then there is my ancient memory.

Thanks in advance,
~~~ 0;-/ Dan