How do I create a symbolic link?

A symbolic link is a pointer to another file or directory. It can be used just like the original file or directory. A symbolic link appears in a long listing (ls -l) with a reference to the original file/directory. A symbolic link, as opposed to a hard link, is required when linking from one filesystem to another and can be used within a filesystem as well.

To create a symbolic link, the syntax of the command is similar to a copy or move command: existing file first, destination file second. For example, to link the directory /home/username/public_html/matt/private/forum to /phpbb for easy access, use: 

ln -s /home/username/public_html/matt/private/forum /phpbb
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