How to create and use symbolic links in Linux

In Linux, you can use the ln command to create symbolic links, also known as symlinks. Symlinks are special files that point to another file or directory, similar to shortcuts in Windows. Here is how to create and use symlinks:

1. Create a symbolic link.
2. Syntax: ln -s
3. Create a symbolic link from the targetfile to the linkfile at the specified paths.
4. Create a symbolic link from the target directory to the link directory using the command ln -s.
5. Use symbolic links:
6. When using symbolic links, accessing the link file will actually redirect to the target file or directory.
7. You can manipulate symbolic link files just like regular files or directories.
8. Deleting a symbolic link file will not delete the target file or directory.
9. If the target file or directory is deleted, the symbolic link will become invalid.
10. View the symbolic link:
11. You can use the ls -l command to view symbolic links, which will be identified by the letter “l” in the permission information of the symbolic link file.
12. Show detailed information for the symbolic link file located at the specified path.
13. Update symbolic link
14. You can use the ln -sf command to change the target of a symbolic link.
15. Syntax: ln -sf
16. Create a symbolic link from /path/to/newtargetfile to /path/to/linkfile using the ln command.

It is important to note that symbolic links can cross file systems, while hard links can only be created within the same file system. Additionally, symbolic links can point to both files and directories, whereas hard links can only point to files.