in git bash in windows ln -s /destinations/path/ link_name just copies the destination rather than creates a link

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06-10-2024

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Git Bash on Windows: Why ln -s Creates a Copy Instead of a Symlink

Git Bash is a powerful tool for developers on Windows, offering a Linux-like environment for managing code and projects. One common command used in Linux for creating symbolic links (symlinks) is ln -s. However, when used in Git Bash on Windows, this command often behaves differently, creating a copy of the source file instead of a symbolic link.

Scenario:

Let's say you want to create a symlink named link_name pointing to a file located at /destinations/path/. In Git Bash, you might use the following command:

ln -s /destinations/path/ link_name 

Instead of creating a symbolic link, this command creates a copy of the file at the specified destination.

Why is this happening?

The reason for this behavior lies in the way Git Bash handles symbolic links on Windows. While Windows supports symbolic links, the functionality is not directly accessible within Git Bash. Instead, Git Bash uses its own mechanism for creating symlinks, which doesn't always work as expected.

Understanding Symbolic Links:

Symbolic links, or symlinks, are essentially shortcuts that point to another file or directory. They are not the actual file or directory itself, but rather a pointer to its location. This means that when you access the symlink, you are actually accessing the original file or directory it points to.

Alternative Solutions:

Here are some alternative ways to create symbolic links in Git Bash on Windows:

• Using the mklink command:

  Windows provides the mklink command for creating symbolic links. This command can be used directly from Git Bash.

  mklink /J link_name /destinations/path/ 
  

  This command creates a junction point which acts as a symlink to a directory. For creating symlinks to files, use the /H option instead of /J.

• Using a third-party tool:

  Several third-party tools, such as Junction or Link Shell Extension, can help you create and manage symbolic links in Windows. These tools provide a more user-friendly interface and offer additional features.

• Using Git Bash's junction command:

  Some versions of Git Bash might include the junction command, which is similar to the native Windows mklink command. You can use this command to create junctions, a type of symlink, within Git Bash.

Conclusion:

While ln -s is a common command for creating symbolic links in Linux, it might not always work as intended in Git Bash on Windows. Understanding the differences between Linux and Windows symbolic link implementations is crucial for successful development on both platforms. Using alternative methods like mklink or third-party tools will ensure you can effectively create and manage symlinks in your Git Bash environment.