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ln MacOS command

The ln command in MacOS is used to create links between files and directories. There are two types of links that can be created with this command: hard links and symbolic links. Hard links are essentially multiple directory entries that point to the same inode, while symbolic links are separate files that point to the original file or directory.

To create a hard link, use the command ln file1 file2. This will create a new directory entry called file2 that points to the same inode as file1. To create a symbolic link, use the command ln -s file1 file2. This will create a new file called file2 that points to file1.

The ln command is useful for creating shortcuts to files and directories, organizing files in a more efficient manner, and saving disk space by creating multiple references to the same file. Use the man pages or ln --help command to get more information about the different options available with the ln command.

ln Syntax:

Terminal window
ln [options] source_file target_link

Options:

OptionDescription
-s, —symbolicCreate a symbolic link
-b, —backupMake a backup of the target if it exists
-f, —forceRemove existing destination files
-n, —no-dereferenceTreat destination that is a symlink to a directory as if it were a normal file
-v, —verboseDisplay verbose information
-h, —helpDisplay help message

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
source_fileThe file or directory to create a link from
target_linkThe name of the symbolic link being created

ln bash Examples:

Terminal window
ln -s /path/to/file /path/to/symlink

Creates a symbolic link named “symlink” that points to the file located at “/path/to/file”.

Terminal window
ln /path/to/file /path/to/hardlink

Creates a hard link named “hardlink” that points to the same data as the original file.

Terminal window
ln -s /path/to/directory /path/to/symlinkdir

Creates a symbolic link named “symlinkdir” that points to the directory located at “/path/to/directory”.

Terminal window
ln /path/to/directory /path/to/hardlinkdir

Creates a hard link named “hardlinkdir” pointing to the same directory content, but it’s not recommended due to potential issues.

Terminal window
ln -s /path/to/file /path/to/differentname

Creates a symbolic link with the name “differentname” that points to the file located at “/path/to/file”.

Terminal window
ln -s /path/to/file .

Creates a symbolic link in the current working directory that points to the file located at “/path/to/file”.

To create a symbolic link in MacOS using the ln command, use the following syntax:

Terminal window
ln -s /path/to/source /path/to/destination

In MacOS, a hard link points directly to the inode of the source file, while a symbolic link is a separate file that contains the path to the source file. To create a hard link, use the following command:

Terminal window
ln /path/to/source /path/to/destination

To force the creation of a link in MacOS using the ln command, add the -f option to overwrite any existing destination files. Use the following command:

Terminal window
ln -f /path/to/source /path/to/destination

How can I view the manual for the ln command in MacOS?

To view the manual for the ln command in MacOS, use the following command:

Terminal window
man ln

To create multiple links in MacOS using the ln command, specify all the destination paths after the source file. For example:

Terminal window
ln /path/to/source /path/to/destination1 /path/to/destination2

To create a link with a custom name in MacOS using the ln command, specify the custom name as the destination path. For example:

Terminal window
ln /path/to/source /path/to/custom_link_name

To check if a link exists in MacOS using the ln command, use the -L option. Execute the following command:

Terminal window
ln -L /path/to/link

Applications of the ln command

  • Creating symbolic links
  • Creating hard links
  • Linking files between different directories
  • Referencing a single file in multiple locations