Simplifying file management with GNU Stow
Safely Stowed Away

© Lead Image © zentilia, 123RF.com
Stow helps you manage custom configuration files across multiple users and computers, as well as organize your dotfiles.
When it comes to file management, keeping chaos in check is highly recommended. Stow [1], a lesser-known GNU file management tool, functions as a symlink farm manager that organizes various sets of software or data located in separate directories on the filesystem, making them appear to be installed in a single directory tree.
Stow was originally created to manage software compiled on the system, which typically ends up in the subdirectories of /usr/local/
. Stow is often used to install software globally across the system, but it also provides a clear-cut mechanism for managing configuration files and scripts in these installation's home directories. Stow can be considered the GNU project's official solution to keeping custom configuration files separate and distributing them to other systems.
When it comes to managing custom-compiled software, the software often does not come with an uninstall
target in the makefile or a similar mechanism to get rid of it when needed. As a result, this can lead to a time-consuming manual uninstall. For instance, you would need to use whereis <software>
to find out which subdirectories the software in question has been distributed to and then remove the files in each directory with rm -rf
. Stow can simplify this process.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.
-
EndeavorOS Mercury Neo Available
A new release from the EndeavorOS team ships with Plasma 6.3 and other goodies.