---
syntax: markdown
tags: [tldr, linux]
source: https://github.com/tldr-pages/tldr.git
---
# update-alternatives

> Convenientily maintain symbolic links to determine default commands.
> More information: <https://manned.org/update-alternatives>.

- Add a symbolic link:

`sudo update-alternatives --install {{path/to/symlink}} {{command_name}} {{path/to/command_binary}} {{priority}}`

- Configure a symbolic link for `java`:

`sudo update-alternatives --config {{java}}`

- Remove a symbolic link:

`sudo update-alternatives --remove {{java}} {{/opt/java/jdk1.8.0_102/bin/java}}`

- Display information about a specified command:

`update-alternatives --display {{java}}`

- Display all commands and their current selection:

`update-alternatives --get-selections`
