UNIX: create symbolic link ln -s

Symbolic link is a directory that points to another directory:

$ sudo ln -s TARGET_DIR SYMBOLIC_LINK_DIR



Example 1:

$ cd /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions

$ sudo ln -s /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_20.jdk/Contents/ "1.8.0_20-ea"
$ ls -alt
lrwxr-xr-x  1 root  wheel   59 May 14 16:24 1.8.0_20-ea -> /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_20.jdk/Contents/


Example 2:

Debian linux Apache location: /var/www
Mac Apache default location: /Library/WebServer/Document

On Mac to mimic the Debian linux's Apache server in /var/www you can create a symbolic link that points to Mac's default server location:


$ sudo ln -s /Library/WebServer/Documents www



originally posted on 7/24/2009

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“A man should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”  by Robert A. Heinlein

"We are but habits and memories we chose to carry along." ~ Uki D. Lucas


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