wtf is a 'symbolic link'? Needed for a plugin

Discussion in 'WordPress' started by mcfox, Jan 27, 2007.

  1. #1
    I'm trying to install a plugin for Wordpress - wp-cache - but have hit a stumbling block.

    It cannot install because I am supposed to create a symbolic link between files.

    Huh?

    Here's the message:
    I have no idea what I am supposed to do next and would appreciate some assistance. Thanks!
     
    mcfox, Jan 27, 2007 IP
  2. ahkip

    ahkip Prominent Member

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    #2
    it is like creating a short cut in "Microsoft Windows world", but you server is linux, so it is call symbolic link. Are you using shared host?
     
    ahkip, Jan 27, 2007 IP
  3. sri

    sri Active Member

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    #3
    There's no way for you to do it yourself if your host doesn't offer shell (SSH) access AFAIK. In such cases, you can request your host to do it.

    If you do have shell access, I (and guess others) can help you do it for sure.
     
    sri, Jan 27, 2007 IP
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  4. ahkip

    ahkip Prominent Member

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    #4
    if you do have shell access, all you have to do is put

    ln -s /home/username/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-cache/wp-cache-phase1.php /home/username/public_html/wp-content/advanced-cache.php

    in the shell and press enter
     
    ahkip, Jan 27, 2007 IP
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  5. mcfox

    mcfox Wind Maker

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    #5
    Ah, I see. Thank you for the replies.

    Yes, that blog is on shared hosting - maybe I should move it to VPS ...

    In the meantime I will try submitting a support ticket to ask for this to be done.
     
    mcfox, Jan 27, 2007 IP
  6. sri

    sri Active Member

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    #6
    shared hosting doesn't necessarily mean that there's no shell access. Dreamhost, for example provides it.
     
    sri, Jan 27, 2007 IP
  7. MattD

    MattD Peon

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    #7
    Its not like a shortcut.

    A shortcut says "the file you want is over here". A symbolic link makes the file look like it is actually in two places, but only using the space of one file.

    I'm not sure why the plugin actually needs the symbolic link, instead of just moving the file...
     
    MattD, Jan 27, 2007 IP
  8. ahkip

    ahkip Prominent Member

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    #8

    that's true..but windows doesn't have such thing so i just use shortcut as a example;)
     
    ahkip, Jan 27, 2007 IP
  9. mcfox

    mcfox Wind Maker

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    #9
    No, that particular host doesn't have shell access.
     
    mcfox, Jan 27, 2007 IP