Symbolic Links

[JordiOtero]

There is an option in the deployment package creation panel which says "

Use symbolic links

Reduces deployment image size by linking to files rather than duplicating them."

Anyone knows how this affects the installation? Can I disconnect from the network source once it's installed?

thank you

[Anonymous]

Installation of what?

[JordiOtero]

installation of whatever Autodesk software, Autocad/LT/Revit/Civil....

Let me rephrase, what's the difference between a deployment created with symbolic links and one without?

[rushabhthakkar_910]

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/You-do...

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/installation-licensing/autocad-lt-2020-installation-errors-on-win-10-...

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/customer-service/network-license-administration/network-deployment/cr...

A few Links that you may see if they help you out.. 

[JordiOtero]

Hi Rushabh
That information is not related to my question.

It's a simple question, what's the difference between checking this option or not checking it?

[rushabhthakkar_910]

A symbolic link (or "symlink") is file system feature that can be used to create a link to a specific file or folder. It is similar to a Windows "shortcut" or Mac "alias," but is not an actual file. Instead, a symbolic link is a entry in a file system that points to a directory or file.

[JordiOtero]

Thank you Rushabh, is there any practical difference between checking it or not?

and what's the Autodesk recommended choice?

[rushabhthakkar_910]

Actually I shared the Links that I got related to Symbolic links on Google.. I personally am not using these symbolic links... 

I don't know much about Symbolic links. But got this.. 

July 2019 - Autodesk Licensing Service update

Improvements

• You can now use a junction point instead of a symbolic link to identify the current version of the Autodesk Licensing Service on Windows.
• On Windows, links now open in your preferred browser rather than Internet Explorer by default.
• The Autodesk Licensing Service starts automatically when it’s needed if it’s not already running.
• Apple Notarized App Certification – Autodesk Licensing Service on macOS is now certified to meet Apple requirements.

At the end of this Page... https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/downloads/content/autodesk-licensing-service-relea... 

[JordiOtero]

So, is there anyone at Autodesk that actually knows the answer to this questions? (not posting internet search results)

[rushabhthakkar_910]

As far as I know, symbolic links are used to direct the installation towards a certain folder. Or add that file and link it with the software. Do you have any such file that you want to attach..? 

If yes, than use a Symbolic Link. And if No, Continue without any symbolic link. 

Read a comment on a post... "I've used a Windows 10 Symbolic Link to link a folder into the Fusion 360 drive for the desktop connector to sync into the cloud".. 

[m_latz · Accepted solution]

If you create a new deployment e.g. for AutoCAD 2022, Autodesk Inventor 2022 and Autodesk Vault 2022 without the "Symbolic link option" you have .NET framework 4.8 runtime installation source in all 3 products, Material Libraries in all 3 products, ...

If you activate the "Use symbolic links" option all shared installation packages are only once in your image and all other are linked.

This reduces dramatically the size of the deployment !

regards

Markus

[JordiOtero]

Thank you Markus, that's what I was asking.

Thank you very much.

[m_latz]

You're welcome !

regards

Markus