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How do I delete softlink or symbolic link in Linux operating system using a command prompt?

You can use any one of the following command to remove symbolic links:

• rm - removes each given FILE including symbolic links
• unlink - deletes a single specified file name including symbolic links.

Delete Symbolic Link File

Use the following syntax:

  rm linkname unlink linkname

Cd to /tmp

cd /tmp ln -s /etc/resolv.conf dns ls -l dns

Outputs:

lrwxrwxrwx 1 vivek vivek 16 2009-08-16 04:28 dns -> /etc/resolv.conf

Now delete dns symbolic link:

  rm dns

OR

unlink dns

Delete Symbolic Link Directory

Use the following syntax:

  rm linkDirName unlink linkDirName

Note: Avoid appending / at the end of linkDirName. Cd to /tmp:

cd /tmp ln -s /etc test ls -l test

Sample Output:

lrwxrwxrwx 1 vivek vivek 4 2009-08-16 04:31 test -> /etc

Now delete test symbolic link directory:

  rm test

OR

unlink test