mkshortcut

mkshortcut <target> <link_name>

<target>
    The path to the file or directory that the symbolic link will point to.

<link_name>
    The name of the symbolic link to be created.

The `mkshortcut` command (typically a script) simplifies the creation of symbolic links (shortcuts) on Linux systems. Unlike the standard `ln -s` command, `mkshortcut` often handles situations where the target path may be absolute or relative, and it can intelligently adjust the relative path of the symbolic link so that it works correctly regardless of the user's current working directory when the shortcut is used. It's important to remember that `mkshortcut` is not a standard built-in command but rather a user-created script that can vary from system to system. The functionality it provides greatly enhances the usability of symbolic links by making them more robust to changes in directory structure and user working locations, which can become a very important factor when sharing scripts across users or computers. This is because instead of just creating a regular symbolic link, `mkshortcut` can create a relative symbolic link where the path to the target is relative to the location of the link itself.

Since `mkshortcut` is not a standard command, its functionality and availability may vary depending on the specific system and user configuration. It's crucial to examine the script's contents to understand its exact behavior. Also, be aware of potential security implications when using scripts from untrusted sources.

The specific implementation of `mkshortcut` can differ significantly. Some versions may automatically determine the relative path, while others might require specific options to control the link creation process. Inspecting the script's source code is essential to understand its behavior. A common element in implementations is to ensure that the shortcut points to the correct target directory if the target is moved.

A good `mkshortcut` script includes robust error handling. It should check if the target exists, verify that the link name is valid, and handle cases where the link already exists. Also the user should be notified in case of the successful creation of the shortcut or an error message if the operation fails.

The `mkshortcut` command typically arises as a user-created convenience script. It addresses limitations in the standard `ln -s` command, particularly concerning relative paths and portability. There is no standardized version; it is commonly found in user's bin directories or within specific project repositories to enhance deployment and scripting convenience. It's evolution is driven by the need to streamline the often cumbersome process of creating robust and easily shared symbolic links.

ln(1), rm(1), find(1)