What is a Symlink?

A symlink, or symbolic link, is a shortcut that points to another directory or file. In Laravel, symlinks are often used to link the storage directory to the public folder, ensuring that files are accessible via the web application.

---

Why Use a Cron Job to Create a Symlink?

In shared hosting environments, terminal access is restricted, and PHP's symlink() function may be disabled. A cron job allows you to execute Linux commands, such as creating a symlink, without needing direct terminal access.

---

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Symlink via Cron Job

1. Log in to cPanel
• Access your cPanel account by navigating to "yourdomain.com/cpanel".
• Enter your cPanel credentials to log in.
2. Navigate to the Cron Jobs Section
• Scroll down to the Advanced section.
• Click on Cron Jobs to open the cron job management interface.
3. Enter the Symlink Command
• In the Command field, input the following command:

  ln -s /home/CPUSER/public_html/storage/app/public /home/CPUSER/public_html/public/storage

Replace:
• /home/CPUSER/public_html according to the installation path
4. Define the Cron Timing
• In the Add New Cron Job section, select a schedule for your cron job. To execute the command immediately, set it to next minute of current time.

Ex: If the current time is 16:20 set the cron job to execute at 16:21
Wondering how to configure your cron job? Click here to learn.
5. Add the Cron Job
• Click on Add New Cron Job to save and schedule it.
6. Verify the Symlink
• After the execution open File Manager in cPanel and navigate to the destination directory (e.g., /public_html/public).
• Confirm that the symlink has been created (/public_html/public/storage).

---

Tips for Success

Use Absolute Paths: Always provide the full absolute paths for both the source and destination when creating a symlink.

Check Permissions: Ensure that the directories involved have the correct permissions to avoid errors.

Delete Temporary Cron Jobs: Remember to delete the cron job after it has completed its task to avoid overwriting attempt errors on your website related files.

---

Conclusion

Creating a symlink via a cron job is a practical solution for shared hosting environments where PHP's symlink() function is disabled. This method ensures that your application can function correctly without requiring terminal access. Leveraging cPanel's cron job feature makes the process simple and accessible, even for users with limited technical expertise.