macOS
Homebrewverified · 100%
brew install lnklocal Homebrew formula metadata
brew
Install lnk with Homebrew
Git-native dotfiles management that doesn't suck. Version 0.9.1 via Homebrew; verified 2026-04-25.
install
Additional install commands
overview
Package summary
Git-native dotfiles management that doesn't suck
Project links
Commands and aliases
- lnk
history
Project history and usage
lnk is a small Go-based dotfiles manager built around Git and symbolic links. Its README describes it as intentionally low-ceremony: it moves files into a Git repo, symlinks them back, and tracks managed paths in plain text.
Project history
The yarlson/lnk GitHub repository was created in May 2025. The project presents itself as a git-native dotfiles manager with no templates and no separate config file, using a default repository location under ~/.config/lnk unless overridden by LNK_HOME or XDG_CONFIG_HOME.
Adoption history
Official adoption evidence is still thin because lnk is young and primarily distributed through its GitHub repository, GitHub releases, Go install, an install script, and Homebrew. The repository metadata shows several hundred stars by mid-2026, suggesting interest among users who want a simpler alternative to larger dotfile frameworks.
How it is used
The README's core workflow is init, pull, add, status, diff, push, and host-specific adds. Users keep a Git repository of dotfiles, while lnk restores files to their original paths as symlinks and can keep host-specific files under hostname-based subdirectories.
Why package nerds care
lnk is package-nerd relevant as a deliberately minimal entrant in the crowded dotfiles-manager category. It packages a common shell-script pattern into one Homebrew-installable binary while staying close to Git and POSIX symlinks.
Timeline
- 2025: The yarlson/lnk repository is created.
- 2025: README documents Homebrew, release binaries, and go install as installation paths.
- 2026: Repository metadata shows continued activity and package-manager availability through Homebrew.
Related projects
- Git, GNU Stow, chezmoi, and yadm occupy related dotfiles-management territory.
- lnk distinguishes itself by using a plain Git repository and symlink restoration rather than a template-heavy configuration system.
Sources
- https://api.github.com/repos/yarlson/lnk
- https://github.com/yarlson/lnk
- source_facts.package-manager
security posture
Risk level: green
narrow executable package without higher-risk signals.
Risk classifier
green risk · low confidence · appliance
Why
- narrow executable package without higher-risk signals
Signals
- metadata:no-higher-risk-signals
Install behavior
- No Homebrew post-install hook is recorded in formula metadata.
- Homebrew bottle metadata is available for 6 platform targets.
- Build metadata lists 1 build dependencies.
Recommended review
Before unattended agent use, check whether the tool reads plaintext credentials, writes remote state, publishes artifacts, or shells out to plugins.
executables
Installed executables
| Command | Kind | Exposure | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
lnk | cli | global executable |
freshness
Version and freshness
These signals separate page generation age, package-manager activity, and upstream release comparison. Version lag is warned only when an evidence URL and comparable versions are present.
page generated2026-07-08
manager version0.9.1
manager updated2026-04-25
local dataok
upstreamcurrent
latest detectedv0.9.1
https://github.com/yarlson/lnk
- okNo freshness warnings were generated.
install metadata
Package metadata
| Package key | brew:lnk |
|---|---|
| Version | 0.9.1 |
| Package manager | Homebrew |
| Package manager page | https://formulae.brew.sh/formula/lnk |
| Homepage | https://github.com/yarlson/lnk |
| Repository | https://github.com/yarlson/lnk |
| Upstream docs | https://github.com/yarlson/lnk#readme |
| License | MIT |
| Source archive | https://github.com/yarlson/lnk/archive/refs/tags/v0.9.1.tar.gz |
| Last updated | 2026-04-25T11:46:37Z |
| Pulse | updated |
| Build dependencies | go |
| Bottle | available (on arm64_linux, arm64_sequoia, arm64_sonoma, arm64_tahoe, sonoma, x86_64_linux) |
| Homebrew post-install | not defined |
| Service | none declared |
registry facts
Source database details
| Source Database | Homebrew formula API |
|---|---|
| Tap | homebrew/core |
| Full Name | lnk |
| Version Scheme | 0 |
| Revision | 0 |
| Bottle Stable Root URL | https://ghcr.io/v2/homebrew/core |
| Deprecated | no |
| Disabled | no |
| Keg Only | no |
| URL Keys |
|
source trail
Generated from repository data
This page is generated by av-web from the private package SQLite artifact built by scripts/generate-pkg-sqlite.py.
Combined YAML source
View the package source record on GitHub.
Used sources
- Geiger risk classifier
- Nucleus package database
- av.db category and tag curation
- cross-ecosystem install command graph
- curated package history
- package relationship graph
- package version freshness
- package-page enrichment