How does the ln command actually work?

[fretag]

Can anyone help me out with the link command. I have been trying to get a handle on this command and I just can't. I partially understand it's purpose, but can anyone give me a practical example that may be able to help me get past my lack of understanding? [sig][/sig]

 

[carine]

hello,
with the link command you can create a file which points to an other file.
imagine you have an existing file, for example a library, /home/project1/alibrary.lib and a second project needs the same library, rather then to copy the file you can create link which takes no place on the disk.
ln /home/project1/alibrary.lib path_to_the_new_file

But if the new fle is on a different filesystem you had to use the option -s (symbolic link):
ln -s /home/project1/alibrary.lib /usr/.... (for example)

I hope I answered your question.
regards
Carine [sig][/sig]

 

[ElgisRamon]

That's the function: To have a file with many names, then you can have a file named /the/ver/long/path/to/a_long_file_name and use it like /afile

It's easier and convenient! [sig][/sig]

 

[fretag]

Carine, your example is simple and straight forward thanks for the help.

Thanks Elgis also! [sig][/sig]

 

[gvramohan]

Hello limptte,


The ln command which is used to create links between
files and directories.After creating link if u are
modifying any file second file is also updated.
that means u are manging a back up file.

ln [path]<source filename > [path]<target filename>

it create two types of links :-
1) HARD LINKS
2) SYMBOLIC LINKS
Bydefault it creates HARD LINKS.
if u want to create a symbolic link
ln -s <source file> <tagetfile>(softlink)
hard links are not visible
symbolic are visible when u are using the ls -L.
option.

And When u are using ls -F if is any link file
either sysmbolic or hard link it shows with
file name@


Note if the source file and taget files in diffrent
directries u should specify the PATH.








G.V.RAMA MOHAN
gvramohan@rediffmail.com