How to use the command 'mklink' (with examples)

The mklink command in Windows is a versatile tool used to create symbolic links. Symbolic links, or symlinks, are shortcuts or pointers that lead to files or directories. They act similarly to a shortcut in Windows, providing a way to reference a file or directory without having to duplicate the actual data. This can be particularly useful for managing disk space, creating seamless navigation paths, and simplifying file system organization. Additionally, mklink can create hard links and directory junctions, each serving unique purposes in file management.

Use case 1: Create a symbolic link to a file

Code:

mklink path\to\link_file path\to\source_file

Motivation:

Creating a symbolic link to a file is especially useful when you want multiple references or pointers to a single file without duplicating its content. For instance, if a program requires the file to be in a specific path, but you prefer to keep it in another, a symbolic link allows the file to appear in both locations simultaneously.

Explanation:

• mklink: The base command to create the symbolic link.
• path\to\link_file: Specifies the path where the symbolic link will be created. This is essentially the ’name’ of the shortcut.
• path\to\source_file: Refers to the actual file that you want to link to, serving as the target of the symbolic link.

Example output:

Upon successful execution, Windows will display a message like:

symbolic link created for path\to\link_file <<===>> path\to\source_file

Use case 2: Create a symbolic link to a directory

Code:

mklink /d path\to\link_file path\to\source_directory

Motivation:

Symbolic links to directories are highly beneficial for organizing file systems across different drives or partitions without moving files. This can help in scenarios where applications need data access without meddling with the actual data’s location.

Explanation:

• mklink: Initiates the link creation command.
• /d: This switch specifies that the link being created is for a directory, rather than a file.
• path\to\link_file: Designates where the symbolic link will be located.
• path\to\source_directory: Points to the original directory to which the link leads.

Example output:

The system will confirm the link with a message like:

symbolic link created for path\to\link_file <<===>> path\to\source_directory

Use case 3: Create a hard link to a file

Code:

mklink /h path\to\link_file path\to\source_file

Motivation:

Hard links are useful when you need different filenames for the same file content in the same file system. This can save space and allow multiple access points to the same data without maintaining separate copies. It is crucial in scenarios where file consistency and integrity need to be guaranteed across different file naming conventions.

Explanation:

• mklink: The command to create the link.
• /h: Switch indicating the creation of a hard link. Unlike symbolic links, hard links reference the data on the disk directly.
• path\to\link_file: Designates the location for the new link with a different name.
• path\to\source_file: Refers to the original file to be linked.

Example output:

Upon creation, you’ll see:

Hardlink created for path\to\link_file <<===>> path\to\source_file

Use case 4: Create a directory junction

Code:

mklink /j path\to\link_file path\to\source_file

Motivation:

Directory junctions create links between directories, allowing for ease of navigation and management of files spread across volumes. They are extremely useful when consolidating folders from different disks into a single directory structure, colloquially termed as ‘virtual folders.’

Explanation:

• mklink: The command to initiate the link creation.
• /j: This switch instructs mklink to create a junction, which is a type of link that can only link directories, functioning like a shortcut.
• path\to\link_file: The path where the junction will be created, acting as an alias for the directory.
• path\to\source_file: The original directory that is being linked to, allowing access through the junction.

Example output:

When the junction is successfully created, you will see:

Junction created for path\to\link_file <<===>> path\to\source_file

Conclusion:

The mklink command in Windows offers a powerful utility for managing and organizing file systems through symbolic links. By understanding and utilizing these forms of linking—symbolic links, hard links, and directory junctions—users can achieve efficient file management, save disk space, and facilitate smoother navigation across directories and files. Whether you’re managing multiple datasets, optimizing disk usage, or simplifying file access paths, mklink provides versatile tools to enhance your workflow and data management processes.