mv a file without breaking a symlink to that file
Is it possible to mv a file w/out breaking a symbolic link to that file?
My initial response to this is no, and I'm working out a script based solution to change the links immediately following the move, but I was wondering how others have approached this issue. The paths and names of the symlinks are known in advance, so In theory all I need to do is:
- get the target of the link
- mv the target
- recreate the link to the new target
- create a new link to the new target (different than the original link, which I still want to keep for now)
At a later date:
- delete the old link
1-4 will be encapsulated in a bash script, but I'm wondering if anyone has a more elegant approach, or knows of a built-in or command that I'm not aware of.
command-line rename symlink
asked Aug 23 '11 at 14:33
gabe.gabe.
6,48593554
add a comment |
Is it possible to mv a file w/out breaking a symbolic link to that file?
My initial response to this is no, and I'm working out a script based solution to change the links immediately following the move, but I was wondering how others have approached this issue. The paths and names of the symlinks are known in advance, so In theory all I need to do is:
- get the target of the link
- mv the target
- recreate the link to the new target
- create a new link to the new target (different than the original link, which I still want to keep for now)
At a later date:
- delete the old link
1-4 will be encapsulated in a bash script, but I'm wondering if anyone has a more elegant approach, or knows of a built-in or command that I'm not aware of.
command-line rename symlink
asked Aug 23 '11 at 14:33
gabe.gabe.
6,48593554
2
Hard links don't have this problem. They have other drawbacks though. :-)
– Stéphane Gimenez
Aug 23 '11 at 15:30
3
Yeah, can't use hardlinks as the files are across several file systems.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:09
2
Also: can't hardlink to a directory.
– sampablokuper
Apr 23 '18 at 18:01
add a comment |
Is it possible to mv a file w/out breaking a symbolic link to that file?
My initial response to this is no, and I'm working out a script based solution to change the links immediately following the move, but I was wondering how others have approached this issue. The paths and names of the symlinks are known in advance, so In theory all I need to do is:
- get the target of the link
- mv the target
- recreate the link to the new target
- create a new link to the new target (different than the original link, which I still want to keep for now)
At a later date:
- delete the old link
1-4 will be encapsulated in a bash script, but I'm wondering if anyone has a more elegant approach, or knows of a built-in or command that I'm not aware of.
command-line rename symlink
asked Aug 23 '11 at 14:33
gabe.gabe.
6,48593554
Is it possible to mv a file w/out breaking a symbolic link to that file?
My initial response to this is no, and I'm working out a script based solution to change the links immediately following the move, but I was wondering how others have approached this issue. The paths and names of the symlinks are known in advance, so In theory all I need to do is:
- get the target of the link
- mv the target
- recreate the link to the new target
- create a new link to the new target (different than the original link, which I still want to keep for now)
At a later date:
- delete the old link
1-4 will be encapsulated in a bash script, but I'm wondering if anyone has a more elegant approach, or knows of a built-in or command that I'm not aware of.
command-line rename symlink
command-line rename symlink
asked Aug 23 '11 at 14:33
gabe.gabe.
6,48593554
asked Aug 23 '11 at 14:33
gabe.gabe.
6,48593554
edited Aug 23 '11 at 16:16
gabe.
asked Aug 23 '11 at 14:33
gabe.gabe.
6,48593554
asked Aug 23 '11 at 14:33
gabe.gabe.
6,48593554
asked Aug 23 '11 at 14:33
gabe.gabe.
6,48593554
6,48593554
2
Hard links don't have this problem. They have other drawbacks though. :-)
– Stéphane Gimenez
Aug 23 '11 at 15:30
3
Yeah, can't use hardlinks as the files are across several file systems.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:09
2
Also: can't hardlink to a directory.
– sampablokuper
Apr 23 '18 at 18:01
add a comment |
2
Hard links don't have this problem. They have other drawbacks though. :-)
– Stéphane Gimenez
Aug 23 '11 at 15:30
3
Yeah, can't use hardlinks as the files are across several file systems.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:09
2
Also: can't hardlink to a directory.
– sampablokuper
Apr 23 '18 at 18:01
2
2
Hard links don't have this problem. They have other drawbacks though. :-)
– Stéphane Gimenez
Aug 23 '11 at 15:30
Hard links don't have this problem. They have other drawbacks though. :-)
– Stéphane Gimenez
Aug 23 '11 at 15:30
3
3
Yeah, can't use hardlinks as the files are across several file systems.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:09
Yeah, can't use hardlinks as the files are across several file systems.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:09
2
2
Also: can't hardlink to a directory.
– sampablokuper
Apr 23 '18 at 18:01
Also: can't hardlink to a directory.
– sampablokuper
Apr 23 '18 at 18:01
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
You are on the right track, I don't think there is an easier way than the sequence you describe.
Steps 3 and 4 are a little confusing. If you want to re-target existing links you keeping the same name you can use ln -f to overwrite existing files. If you want the name of your links to also change to reflect the new target name, your sequence is correct.
answered Aug 23 '11 at 15:02
CalebCaleb
50.7k9147191
1
Heh, yeah, just re-read that part and now I've confused myself as well. I'll tweak it so it makes more sense. Thanks.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 15:22
I'm a bit confused on the use of ln -f, but I think the script @fred posted may help clarify how it works. The man page wasn't much help, surprisingly.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:17
@gabe. The original version of my answer had the correct-s -f, but while mofifying it, it "lost" the-s: wrong! From wikipedia: 'ln' with no options creates a hard link, 'ln -f' forces a hard link ... so thanks for the question, it has really confirmed the syntax for me now.. It certainly made me double-check things... It requiresln -s -f.. (I've made the adjustment)
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 17:12
add a comment |
For your situation:
# change target of a symbolic link
# -------------
# ln -s, --symbolic make symbolic links instead of hard links
# ln -f, --force remove existing destination files
#
# Setup: make junk.link to file junk
echo hello > ~/junk
ln -s ~/junk ~/junk.link; cat ~/junk.link
#
# move file and point the link to it.
org="$(readlink ~/junk.link)"
new="$org".moved
mv "$org" "$new"
ln -s -f "$new" "$new".link # '-s' for a soft link
answered Aug 23 '11 at 14:47
Peter.OPeter.O
18.9k1791144
Note: it will be more complicated if a chain of links is involved.
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 18:09
add a comment |
I have the next problem. I found a icon theme very good called "Suru++"
Suru++ 20 [Officially bug-free and 11 DEs-compatible]
But this icon theme are made in svg all image. Now I want to use it in Fluxbox and generate menu entries but this only is possible with png icon image
I download the master inside that are all icons in svg format, and yes I can convert from command line svg to png all ok generate for each folder size like 16x16, 24x24 px. But in that folders are symbolic links to a svg files:
If there is a way possible to change extension svg to png inside all symbolix links the icon theme would be working fine in Fluxbox menu and File Managers. I made a entrie about this icon theme using in Xubuntu but in spanish
God Bless
answered 2 mins ago
Indacochea WachínIndacochea Wachín
1012
New contributor
Indacochea Wachín is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
You are on the right track, I don't think there is an easier way than the sequence you describe.
Steps 3 and 4 are a little confusing. If you want to re-target existing links you keeping the same name you can use ln -f to overwrite existing files. If you want the name of your links to also change to reflect the new target name, your sequence is correct.
answered Aug 23 '11 at 15:02
CalebCaleb
50.7k9147191
1
Heh, yeah, just re-read that part and now I've confused myself as well. I'll tweak it so it makes more sense. Thanks.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 15:22
I'm a bit confused on the use of ln -f, but I think the script @fred posted may help clarify how it works. The man page wasn't much help, surprisingly.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:17
@gabe. The original version of my answer had the correct-s -f, but while mofifying it, it "lost" the-s: wrong! From wikipedia: 'ln' with no options creates a hard link, 'ln -f' forces a hard link ... so thanks for the question, it has really confirmed the syntax for me now.. It certainly made me double-check things... It requiresln -s -f.. (I've made the adjustment)
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 17:12
add a comment |
You are on the right track, I don't think there is an easier way than the sequence you describe.
Steps 3 and 4 are a little confusing. If you want to re-target existing links you keeping the same name you can use ln -f to overwrite existing files. If you want the name of your links to also change to reflect the new target name, your sequence is correct.
answered Aug 23 '11 at 15:02
CalebCaleb
50.7k9147191
1
Heh, yeah, just re-read that part and now I've confused myself as well. I'll tweak it so it makes more sense. Thanks.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 15:22
I'm a bit confused on the use of ln -f, but I think the script @fred posted may help clarify how it works. The man page wasn't much help, surprisingly.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:17
@gabe. The original version of my answer had the correct-s -f, but while mofifying it, it "lost" the-s: wrong! From wikipedia: 'ln' with no options creates a hard link, 'ln -f' forces a hard link ... so thanks for the question, it has really confirmed the syntax for me now.. It certainly made me double-check things... It requiresln -s -f.. (I've made the adjustment)
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 17:12
add a comment |
You are on the right track, I don't think there is an easier way than the sequence you describe.
Steps 3 and 4 are a little confusing. If you want to re-target existing links you keeping the same name you can use ln -f to overwrite existing files. If you want the name of your links to also change to reflect the new target name, your sequence is correct.
answered Aug 23 '11 at 15:02
CalebCaleb
50.7k9147191
You are on the right track, I don't think there is an easier way than the sequence you describe.
Steps 3 and 4 are a little confusing. If you want to re-target existing links you keeping the same name you can use ln -f to overwrite existing files. If you want the name of your links to also change to reflect the new target name, your sequence is correct.
answered Aug 23 '11 at 15:02
CalebCaleb
50.7k9147191
answered Aug 23 '11 at 15:02
CalebCaleb
50.7k9147191
answered Aug 23 '11 at 15:02
CalebCaleb
50.7k9147191
answered Aug 23 '11 at 15:02
CalebCaleb
50.7k9147191
50.7k9147191
1
Heh, yeah, just re-read that part and now I've confused myself as well. I'll tweak it so it makes more sense. Thanks.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 15:22
I'm a bit confused on the use of ln -f, but I think the script @fred posted may help clarify how it works. The man page wasn't much help, surprisingly.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:17
@gabe. The original version of my answer had the correct-s -f, but while mofifying it, it "lost" the-s: wrong! From wikipedia: 'ln' with no options creates a hard link, 'ln -f' forces a hard link ... so thanks for the question, it has really confirmed the syntax for me now.. It certainly made me double-check things... It requiresln -s -f.. (I've made the adjustment)
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 17:12
add a comment |
1
Heh, yeah, just re-read that part and now I've confused myself as well. I'll tweak it so it makes more sense. Thanks.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 15:22
I'm a bit confused on the use of ln -f, but I think the script @fred posted may help clarify how it works. The man page wasn't much help, surprisingly.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:17
@gabe. The original version of my answer had the correct-s -f, but while mofifying it, it "lost" the-s: wrong! From wikipedia: 'ln' with no options creates a hard link, 'ln -f' forces a hard link ... so thanks for the question, it has really confirmed the syntax for me now.. It certainly made me double-check things... It requiresln -s -f.. (I've made the adjustment)
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 17:12
1
1
Heh, yeah, just re-read that part and now I've confused myself as well. I'll tweak it so it makes more sense. Thanks.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 15:22
Heh, yeah, just re-read that part and now I've confused myself as well. I'll tweak it so it makes more sense. Thanks.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 15:22
I'm a bit confused on the use of ln -f, but I think the script @fred posted may help clarify how it works. The man page wasn't much help, surprisingly.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:17
I'm a bit confused on the use of ln -f, but I think the script @fred posted may help clarify how it works. The man page wasn't much help, surprisingly.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:17
@gabe. The original version of my answer had the correct
-s -f, but while mofifying it, it "lost" the -s: wrong! From wikipedia: 'ln' with no options creates a hard link, 'ln -f' forces a hard link ... so thanks for the question, it has really confirmed the syntax for me now.. It certainly made me double-check things... It requires ln -s -f.. (I've made the adjustment)– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 17:12
@gabe. The original version of my answer had the correct
-s -f, but while mofifying it, it "lost" the -s: wrong! From wikipedia: 'ln' with no options creates a hard link, 'ln -f' forces a hard link ... so thanks for the question, it has really confirmed the syntax for me now.. It certainly made me double-check things... It requires ln -s -f.. (I've made the adjustment)– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 17:12
add a comment |
For your situation:
# change target of a symbolic link
# -------------
# ln -s, --symbolic make symbolic links instead of hard links
# ln -f, --force remove existing destination files
#
# Setup: make junk.link to file junk
echo hello > ~/junk
ln -s ~/junk ~/junk.link; cat ~/junk.link
#
# move file and point the link to it.
org="$(readlink ~/junk.link)"
new="$org".moved
mv "$org" "$new"
ln -s -f "$new" "$new".link # '-s' for a soft link
answered Aug 23 '11 at 14:47
Peter.OPeter.O
18.9k1791144
Note: it will be more complicated if a chain of links is involved.
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 18:09
add a comment |
For your situation:
# change target of a symbolic link
# -------------
# ln -s, --symbolic make symbolic links instead of hard links
# ln -f, --force remove existing destination files
#
# Setup: make junk.link to file junk
echo hello > ~/junk
ln -s ~/junk ~/junk.link; cat ~/junk.link
#
# move file and point the link to it.
org="$(readlink ~/junk.link)"
new="$org".moved
mv "$org" "$new"
ln -s -f "$new" "$new".link # '-s' for a soft link
answered Aug 23 '11 at 14:47
Peter.OPeter.O
18.9k1791144
Note: it will be more complicated if a chain of links is involved.
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 18:09
add a comment |
For your situation:
# change target of a symbolic link
# -------------
# ln -s, --symbolic make symbolic links instead of hard links
# ln -f, --force remove existing destination files
#
# Setup: make junk.link to file junk
echo hello > ~/junk
ln -s ~/junk ~/junk.link; cat ~/junk.link
#
# move file and point the link to it.
org="$(readlink ~/junk.link)"
new="$org".moved
mv "$org" "$new"
ln -s -f "$new" "$new".link # '-s' for a soft link
answered Aug 23 '11 at 14:47
Peter.OPeter.O
18.9k1791144
For your situation:
# change target of a symbolic link
# -------------
# ln -s, --symbolic make symbolic links instead of hard links
# ln -f, --force remove existing destination files
#
# Setup: make junk.link to file junk
echo hello > ~/junk
ln -s ~/junk ~/junk.link; cat ~/junk.link
#
# move file and point the link to it.
org="$(readlink ~/junk.link)"
new="$org".moved
mv "$org" "$new"
ln -s -f "$new" "$new".link # '-s' for a soft link
answered Aug 23 '11 at 14:47
Peter.OPeter.O
18.9k1791144
edited Aug 23 '11 at 17:06
answered Aug 23 '11 at 14:47
Peter.OPeter.O
18.9k1791144
answered Aug 23 '11 at 14:47
Peter.OPeter.O
18.9k1791144
answered Aug 23 '11 at 14:47
Peter.OPeter.O
18.9k1791144
18.9k1791144
Note: it will be more complicated if a chain of links is involved.
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 18:09
add a comment |
Note: it will be more complicated if a chain of links is involved.
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 18:09
Note: it will be more complicated if a chain of links is involved.
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 18:09
Note: it will be more complicated if a chain of links is involved.
– Peter.O
Aug 23 '11 at 18:09
add a comment |
I have the next problem. I found a icon theme very good called "Suru++"
Suru++ 20 [Officially bug-free and 11 DEs-compatible]
But this icon theme are made in svg all image. Now I want to use it in Fluxbox and generate menu entries but this only is possible with png icon image
I download the master inside that are all icons in svg format, and yes I can convert from command line svg to png all ok generate for each folder size like 16x16, 24x24 px. But in that folders are symbolic links to a svg files:
If there is a way possible to change extension svg to png inside all symbolix links the icon theme would be working fine in Fluxbox menu and File Managers. I made a entrie about this icon theme using in Xubuntu but in spanish
God Bless
answered 2 mins ago
Indacochea WachínIndacochea Wachín
1012
New contributor
Indacochea Wachín is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I have the next problem. I found a icon theme very good called "Suru++"
Suru++ 20 [Officially bug-free and 11 DEs-compatible]
But this icon theme are made in svg all image. Now I want to use it in Fluxbox and generate menu entries but this only is possible with png icon image
I download the master inside that are all icons in svg format, and yes I can convert from command line svg to png all ok generate for each folder size like 16x16, 24x24 px. But in that folders are symbolic links to a svg files:
If there is a way possible to change extension svg to png inside all symbolix links the icon theme would be working fine in Fluxbox menu and File Managers. I made a entrie about this icon theme using in Xubuntu but in spanish
God Bless
answered 2 mins ago
Indacochea WachínIndacochea Wachín
1012
New contributor
Indacochea Wachín is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I have the next problem. I found a icon theme very good called "Suru++"
Suru++ 20 [Officially bug-free and 11 DEs-compatible]
But this icon theme are made in svg all image. Now I want to use it in Fluxbox and generate menu entries but this only is possible with png icon image
I download the master inside that are all icons in svg format, and yes I can convert from command line svg to png all ok generate for each folder size like 16x16, 24x24 px. But in that folders are symbolic links to a svg files:
If there is a way possible to change extension svg to png inside all symbolix links the icon theme would be working fine in Fluxbox menu and File Managers. I made a entrie about this icon theme using in Xubuntu but in spanish
God Bless
answered 2 mins ago
Indacochea WachínIndacochea Wachín
1012
New contributor
Indacochea Wachín is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I have the next problem. I found a icon theme very good called "Suru++"
Suru++ 20 [Officially bug-free and 11 DEs-compatible]
But this icon theme are made in svg all image. Now I want to use it in Fluxbox and generate menu entries but this only is possible with png icon image
I download the master inside that are all icons in svg format, and yes I can convert from command line svg to png all ok generate for each folder size like 16x16, 24x24 px. But in that folders are symbolic links to a svg files:
If there is a way possible to change extension svg to png inside all symbolix links the icon theme would be working fine in Fluxbox menu and File Managers. I made a entrie about this icon theme using in Xubuntu but in spanish
God Bless
answered 2 mins ago
Indacochea WachínIndacochea Wachín
1012
New contributor
Indacochea Wachín is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 mins ago
Indacochea WachínIndacochea Wachín
1012
New contributor
Indacochea Wachín is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 mins ago
Indacochea WachínIndacochea Wachín
1012
answered 2 mins ago
Indacochea WachínIndacochea Wachín
1012
1012
New contributor
Indacochea Wachín is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Indacochea Wachín is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Indacochea Wachín is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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2
Hard links don't have this problem. They have other drawbacks though. :-)
– Stéphane Gimenez
Aug 23 '11 at 15:30
3
Yeah, can't use hardlinks as the files are across several file systems.
– gabe.
Aug 23 '11 at 16:09
2
Also: can't hardlink to a directory.
– sampablokuper
Apr 23 '18 at 18:01