How to Fix Laravel Storage Link on Shared Hosting

Securing file uploads in Laravel applications, especially on shared hosting like Hostinger, can present unique challenges. While Laravel’s storage:link command is typically the go-to solution, it often stumbles on shared hosting due to disabled symlink creation. This article provides a straightforward guide to manually create symbolic links, ensuring your Laravel application handles file uploads smoothly on platforms like Hostinger.

The Challenge: php artisan storage:link on Shared Hosting

In Laravel, the command php artisan storage:link is essential for creating a symbolic link that makes your storage directory accessible from the public folder. This allows users to access uploaded files through your web application.

However, on shared hosting environments like Hostinger, you might encounter limitations. Shared hosting providers often disable symlink creation via applications for security reasons. This means the standard php artisan storage:link command will likely fail, leaving you unable to access your uploaded files publicly.

Why storage:link Fails on Shared Hosting

Shared hosting environments restrict certain functionalities to prevent abuse and maintain server stability. Symlink creation can be misused in shared environments, leading providers to disable it for applications. While technically possible with permission adjustments, managing these permissions on shared hosting can be complex and is often not feasible for typical users.

The Solution: Manual Symlink Creation via SSH

When php artisan storage:link is not an option, creating the symbolic link manually is a reliable alternative. You can achieve this using SSH (Secure Shell) or a terminal provided by your hosting provider, such as Hostinger’s terminal.

Here’s the command to create a symlink for your Laravel application's public disk storage:

Bash

ln -s /path/to/laravel/storage/app/public /path/to/public/storage

Let's break down this command:

• ln -s: This is the command for creating a symbolic link in Linux-based systems.
• /path/to/laravel/storage/app/public: This is the source path. It points to the actual directory where Laravel stores your publicly accessible files. You need to replace /path/to/laravel with the absolute path to your Laravel application's root directory on the server.
• /path/to/public/storage: This is the destination path. It specifies where the symbolic link will be created within your public directory. This is typically your Laravel application's public folder. Replace /path/to/public with the absolute path to your public directory. The storage part indicates that the symlink will be named "storage" within your public directory.

Example:

Let's say your Laravel application is located at /home/yourusername/laravel-app and your public directory is /home/yourusername/laravel-app/public. The command would look like this:

Bash

ln -s /home/yourusername/laravel-app/storage/app/public /home/yourusername/laravel-app/public/storage

Important:

• Absolute Paths: Ensure you use absolute paths for both the source and destination. Relative paths might lead to errors.
• Correct Paths: Double-check that the paths are accurate for your specific hosting environment. Incorrect paths will result in a broken symlink.
• Hosting Provider Terminal/SSH: Use the terminal provided by your hosting provider (like Hostinger's terminal) or connect via SSH to execute this command on your server.

Manual Symlink vs. storage:link: Pros and Cons

Both manual symlink creation and the storage:link command achieve the same goal, but they have different characteristics:

Feature	Manual Symlink (ln -s)	php artisan storage:link
Pros
Direct Control	You specify the exact paths, offering flexibility for custom setups.
No Laravel Dependency	Works independently of Laravel’s Artisan commands.	Requires Laravel's Artisan command to be functional.
Portability	Applicable to other frameworks or custom PHP projects.	Primarily for Laravel applications.
System Understanding	Provides insight into how symbolic links function.	Simplifies the process within the Laravel ecosystem.
Cons
Error-Prone	Manual path specification can lead to errors if paths are incorrect.	Less prone to path errors as Laravel manages path configurations.
Manual Steps	Requires manual execution via SSH or hosting terminal.	Automated process via Artisan command.
Less User-Friendly	Might be less intuitive for beginners unfamiliar with command-line interfaces.	Designed for Laravel developers, potentially more user-friendly within that context.

Conclusion

When faced with the limitations of php artisan storage:link on shared hosting, manual symlink creation using the ln -s command provides a robust and effective alternative. By understanding the command and ensuring accurate paths, you can successfully make your Laravel storage directory publicly accessible, enabling seamless file uploads in your application, even on restricted shared hosting environments like Hostinger. This method offers direct control and portability, making it a valuable technique for developers working in diverse hosting scenarios.