# fs.readlink

Read the target stored in a symbolic link.

## Usage

```python
fs.readlink(path)
```

- **`path`**
  The symlink to inspect.

Returns the target string as stored in the link. A relative target remains
relative to the link's parent directory; it is not resolved against the script's
working directory. The target need not exist. A missing path, ordinary file,
or inaccessible symlink raises an error.

```python
info = fs.stat("current", follow_symlinks = False)
if info.is_symlink:
    print(fs.readlink("current"))
```

Relative paths resolve against the script's working directory, including when
called from a loaded module. Absolute paths are used as given. These functions
inspect the local filesystem; they do not isolate access to the repository.
Calls honor cancellation before and after the filesystem operation.

See [reading files](/functions/automation/fs.read_file) and
[Git hooks](/cli/configuration/git#local-git-hooks).