How to copy the target file vs the symlink

Question

I have files with symlinks as shown below :

link_AB91 -> file_12857.xml
link_XY99 -> file_102856.xml
link_EF02 -> file_96843.xml

In my script I reference the link not the actual target file. However, when I perform the copy I want the actual file copied over. I am looking for an option and/or command which will allow me to achieve this.

Example :

cp "some_option_here" link_AB91 .

This should copy file file_12857.xml not the link link_AB91
I have tried options -L and -H but they do not help
Note that I do not want the -d or -P option either.

Update : If not option exists, then I will use readlink command but I am hoping there is a quicker way of performing this task

The `-L` switch should copy the target file. Could you give details of your `cp` invocation and the actual results? — Anderson Medeiros Gomes, Mar 28 '16 at 23:21

score 6 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 28 '16 at 23:22

6

Use readlink /path/to/link to get the real file

cp `readlink /path/to/my/link` /foo/destination

equals

cp $(readlink /path/to/my/link) /foo/destination

answered Mar 28 '16 at 23:22

moestly

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What is wrong with that answer? – moestly Mar 29 '16 at 00:43
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I agree. Someone is hellbent on downvoting ! If I dont get a better answer, I will accept this one. Plus 1 btw. – souser Mar 29 '16 at 02:14
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Downvote is actual. There would better to use `realpath` instead of `readlink` because it provide fullpath to target. If symlink is relative command from your answer will fail. – imbearr Apr 22 '20 at 15:08
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@imbearr You should write your own answer. – Michael Hampton Aug 03 '21 at 13:22

score 0 · Answer 2 · edited Aug 05 '21 at 17:55

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A minor adjustment to @ansi_lumen's answer:

cp `readlink -e /path/to/my/link` /foo/destination

This makes a difference for relative links. It makes sure that cp gets an absolute path to the file instead of a relative path.

edited Aug 05 '21 at 17:55

Michael Hampton

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answered Aug 03 '21 at 12:33

Arnie Schraufenziger

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cp: invalid option -- 'e' - which CP are you referencing? – djdomi Aug 03 '21 at 13:53
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@MichaelHampton It outputs the whole path that "cp" requires. If for instance link points to a relative path the "-e" will make readlink output the absolute path. @djdomi You forgot the `` operators. The -e is for readlink. – Arnie Schraufenziger Aug 04 '21 at 10:03

How to copy the target file vs the symlink

2 Answers2