unlink

The unlink command is a command line tool used to remove a file or symbolic link in Unix-like operating systems. It is often used to delete files or links that are no longer needed or required.

The unlink command follows a simple syntax: unlink [file], where [file] represents the name of the file or link you wish to remove.

When used with a regular file, the unlink command will simply delete the file from the file system, freeing up the disk space it occupied. However, if the file is currently open or being used by another process, the deletion may not occur until the file is no longer in use.

When used with a symbolic link, the unlink command will remove the link itself, without affecting the target file or directory it points to. This makes it useful for removing symbolic links that are no longer needed.

One important thing to note is that the unlink command does not provide a confirmation prompt before deleting the file or link. It immediately removes the file or link without any additional user input. As a result, it is crucial to be cautious and use the command with care.

The unlink command does not possess any additional options or flags. It is a simple and straightforward tool with just a single purpose: to remove files or symbolic links.

Overall, the unlink command is an essential tool for managing files and symbolic links in Unix-like systems, providing a quick and efficient way to delete unnecessary files or links.