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Linux ln Command: Create Hard Links And Soft Links To Files

The ln command in Linux is used to create hard links and symbolic (soft) links between files. A hard link is a reference to the same inode as the original file, while a symbolic link is a separate file that points to the target file by its path. In this tutorial, we'll cover basic usage examples for the ln command.

Create a hard link:

To create a hard link, use the ln command followed by the target file and the new link name:

ln target_file hard_link_name

For example:

ln file.txt hard_link_to_file.txt

This command creates a hard link named hard_link_to_file.txt pointing to the file.txt. Both the original file and the hard link share the same inode and data blocks, so any changes made to one will be reflected in the other.

Create a symbolic link:

To create a symbolic link, use the -s (symbolic) option followed by the target file and the new link name:

ln -s target_file symbolic_link_name

For example:

ln -s file.txt symbolic_link_to_file.txt

This command creates a symbolic link named symbolic_link_to_file.txt pointing to the file.txt. A symbolic link is a separate file containing a reference to the target file, so changes made to one do not affect the other. If the target file is moved or deleted, the symbolic link will become broken.

Overwrite an existing link:

By default, the ln command will not overwrite an existing file. If you want to force the creation of a link and overwrite any existing file, use the -f (force) option:

ln -sf target_file symbolic_link_name

For example:

ln -sf file.txt symbolic_link_to_file.txt

This command will create a symbolic link named symbolic_link_to_file.txt pointing to the file.txt, overwriting any existing file with the same name.

In summary, the ln command is a powerful tool for managing hard and symbolic links in Linux. By understanding the basic usage examples and options, you can create and manage links between files with ease.

How to use ln command in Linux:
The ln command is used to create links between files. It has two primary forms: creating hard links and creating symbolic (soft) links.
Creating hard links with ln in Linux:
Hard links are direct references to the same inode, sharing the same data blocks. Changes in one hard link affect all others.
Example code:
```
ln source_file hard_link
```
Making symbolic links using ln command:
Symbolic links are references to the file's path and can span filesystems. They are independent, and changes to the original file don't affect symbolic links.
Example code:
```
ln -s source_file symbolic_link
```
Specifying link names and paths with ln:
Specify link names and paths to create links in a specific location.
Example code:
```
ln source_file /path/to/hard_link
ln -s source_file /path/to/symbolic_link
```
Linking directories with ln in Linux:
Use the -r option to create hard links for entire directories. Symbolic links can also point to directories.
Example code (hard link for a directory):
```
ln -r source_directory hard_link_directory
```
Example code (symbolic link for a directory):
```
ln -s source_directory symbolic_link_directory
```
Updating links and changing target files with ln:
Update links to point to a new target file using the -f option.
Example code:
```
ln -sf new_source_file symbolic_link
```
Removing links with the ln command in Linux:
Remove links using the rm command. Hard links won't affect other hard links or the original file.
Example code:
```
rm hard_link
rm symbolic_link
```