diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9a0924a..26cba42 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -152,7 +152,6 @@ config:
   dotpath: dotfiles
   ignoreempty: false
   keepdot: false
-  link_by_default: false
   longkey: false
   showdiff: false
   workdir: ~/.config/dotdrop
diff --git a/completion/_dotdrop-completion.zsh b/completion/_dotdrop-completion.zsh
index 3965dd5..d70dbd8 100644
--- a/completion/_dotdrop-completion.zsh
+++ b/completion/_dotdrop-completion.zsh
@@ -119,14 +119,14 @@ _dotdrop-import ()
 		'(--verbose)--verbose' \
 		'(-b)-b' \
 		'(--no-banner)--no-banner' \
-		'(-l)-l' \
-		'(--inv-link)--inv-link' \
 		'(-d)-d' \
 		'(--dry)--dry' \
 		'(-c=-)-c=-' \
 		'(--cfg=-)--cfg=-' \
 		'(-p=-)-p=-' \
 		'(--profile=-)--profile=-' \
+		'(-l=-)-l=-' \
+		'(--link=-)--link=-' \
 
     else
         myargs=('<path>')
diff --git a/completion/_dotdrop.sh-completion.zsh b/completion/_dotdrop.sh-completion.zsh
index 7881285..bee9bb7 100644
--- a/completion/_dotdrop.sh-completion.zsh
+++ b/completion/_dotdrop.sh-completion.zsh
@@ -119,14 +119,14 @@ _dotdrop.sh-import ()
 		'(--verbose)--verbose' \
 		'(-b)-b' \
 		'(--no-banner)--no-banner' \
-		'(-l)-l' \
-		'(--inv-link)--inv-link' \
 		'(-d)-d' \
 		'(--dry)--dry' \
 		'(-c=-)-c=-' \
 		'(--cfg=-)--cfg=-' \
 		'(-p=-)-p=-' \
 		'(--profile=-)--profile=-' \
+		'(-l=-)-l=-' \
+		'(--link=-)--link=-' \
 
     else
         myargs=('<path>')
diff --git a/completion/dotdrop-completion.bash b/completion/dotdrop-completion.bash
old mode 100644
new mode 100755
index 2aab93e..ce4e511
--- a/completion/dotdrop-completion.bash
+++ b/completion/dotdrop-completion.bash
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ _dotdrop_import()
     cur="${COMP_WORDS[COMP_CWORD]}"
 
     if [ $COMP_CWORD -ge 2 ]; then
-        COMPREPLY=( $( compgen -fW '-V --verbose -b --no-banner -l --inv-link -d --dry -c= --cfg= -p= --profile= ' -- $cur) )
+        COMPREPLY=( $( compgen -fW '-V --verbose -b --no-banner -d --dry -c= --cfg= -p= --profile= -l= --link= ' -- $cur) )
     fi
 }
 
diff --git a/completion/dotdrop.sh-completion.bash b/completion/dotdrop.sh-completion.bash
index b849d09..5357e11 100644
--- a/completion/dotdrop.sh-completion.bash
+++ b/completion/dotdrop.sh-completion.bash
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ _dotdropsh_import()
     cur="${COMP_WORDS[COMP_CWORD]}"
 
     if [ $COMP_CWORD -ge 2 ]; then
-        COMPREPLY=( $( compgen -fW '-V --verbose -b --no-banner -l --inv-link -d --dry -c= --cfg= -p= --profile= ' -- $cur) )
+        COMPREPLY=( $( compgen -fW '-V --verbose -b --no-banner -d --dry -c= --cfg= -p= --profile= -l= --link= ' -- $cur) )
     fi
 }
 
diff --git a/config.yaml b/config.yaml
index 99ad2b4..cca9aab 100644
--- a/config.yaml
+++ b/config.yaml
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ config:
   banner: true
   longkey: false
   keepdot: false
-  link_by_default: false
+  link_import_default: nolink
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
 dotfiles:
 profiles:
diff --git a/dotdrop/config.py b/dotdrop/config.py
index 1c61242..165e31a 100644
--- a/dotdrop/config.py
+++ b/dotdrop/config.py
@@ -31,7 +31,8 @@ class Cfg:
     key_keepdot = 'keepdot'
     key_ignoreempty = 'ignoreempty'
     key_showdiff = 'showdiff'
-    key_deflink = 'link_by_default'
+    key_imp_link = 'link_on_import'
+    key_dotfile_link = 'link_dotfile_default'
     key_workdir = 'workdir'
     key_import_vars = 'import_variables'
     key_import_actions = 'import_actions'
@@ -69,17 +70,22 @@ class Cfg:
     key_profiles_incl = 'include'
     key_profiles_imp = 'import'
 
+    # link values
+    lnk_nolink = LinkTypes.NOLINK.name.lower()
+    lnk_link = LinkTypes.LINK.name.lower()
+    lnk_children = LinkTypes.LINK_CHILDREN.name.lower()
+
     # settings defaults
     default_dotpath = 'dotfiles'
     default_backup = True
     default_create = True
     default_banner = True
-    default_link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
     default_longkey = False
     default_keepdot = False
     default_showdiff = False
     default_ignoreempty = False
-    default_link_by_default = False
+    default_link_imp = lnk_nolink
+    default_link = lnk_nolink
     default_workdir = '~/.config/dotdrop'
 
     def __init__(self, cfgpath, profile=None, debug=False):
@@ -95,6 +101,7 @@ class Cfg:
         # make sure to have an absolute path to config file
         self.cfgpath = os.path.abspath(cfgpath)
         self.debug = debug
+        self._modified = False
 
         # init the logger
         self.log = Logger()
@@ -185,11 +192,25 @@ class Cfg:
             return False
         return True
 
+    def _get_def_link(self):
+        """get dotfile link entry when not specified"""
+        string = self.lnk_settings[self.key_dotfile_link].lower()
+        return self._string_to_linktype(string)
+
+    def _string_to_linktype(self, string):
+        """translate string to linktype"""
+        if string == self.lnk_link.lower():
+            return LinkTypes.LINK
+        elif string == self.lnk_children.lower():
+            return LinkTypes.LINK_CHILDREN
+        return LinkTypes.NOLINK
+
     def _parse(self, profile=None):
         """parse config file"""
         # parse the settings
         self.lnk_settings = self.content[self.key_settings]
-        self._complete_settings()
+        if not self._complete_settings():
+            return False
 
         # parse the profiles
         self.lnk_profiles = self.content[self.key_profiles]
@@ -254,7 +275,9 @@ class Cfg:
         if not self.content[self.key_dotfiles]:
             # ensures the dotfiles entry is a dict
             self.content[self.key_dotfiles] = {}
-        for k, v in self.content[self.key_dotfiles].items():
+
+        for k in self.content[self.key_dotfiles].keys():
+            v = self.content[self.key_dotfiles][k]
             src = os.path.normpath(v[self.key_dotfiles_src])
             dst = os.path.normpath(v[self.key_dotfiles_dst])
 
@@ -264,18 +287,23 @@ class Cfg:
                 msg = 'only one of `link` or `link_children` allowed per'
                 msg += ' dotfile, error on dotfile "{}".'
                 self.log.err(msg.format(k))
+                return False
 
-            # Otherwise, get link type
-            link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
-            if self.key_dotfiles_link in v and v[self.key_dotfiles_link]:
-                link = LinkTypes.PARENTS
-            if self.key_dotfiles_link_children in v \
-                    and v[self.key_dotfiles_link_children]:
-                link = LinkTypes.CHILDREN
+            # fix it
+            v = self._fix_dotfile_link(k, v)
+            self.content[self.key_dotfiles][k] = v
 
+            # get link type
+            link = self._get_def_link()
+            if self.key_dotfiles_link in v:
+                link = self._string_to_linktype(v[self.key_dotfiles_link])
+
+            # get ignore empty
             noempty = v[self.key_dotfiles_noempty] if \
                 self.key_dotfiles_noempty \
                 in v else self.lnk_settings[self.key_ignoreempty]
+
+            # parse actions
             itsactions = v[self.key_dotfiles_actions] if \
                 self.key_dotfiles_actions in v else []
             actions = self._parse_actions(itsactions)
@@ -319,7 +347,7 @@ class Cfg:
             # disable transformation when link is true
             if link != LinkTypes.NOLINK and (trans_r or trans_w):
                 msg = 'transformations disabled for \"{}\"'.format(dst)
-                msg += ' because link is True'
+                msg += ' because link|link_children is enabled'
                 self.log.warn(msg)
                 trans_r = None
                 trans_w = None
@@ -559,6 +587,7 @@ class Cfg:
 
     def _complete_settings(self):
         """set settings defaults if not present"""
+        self._fix_deprecated()
         if self.key_dotpath not in self.lnk_settings:
             self.lnk_settings[self.key_dotpath] = self.default_dotpath
         if self.key_backup not in self.lnk_settings:
@@ -571,8 +600,6 @@ class Cfg:
             self.lnk_settings[self.key_long] = self.default_longkey
         if self.key_keepdot not in self.lnk_settings:
             self.lnk_settings[self.key_keepdot] = self.default_keepdot
-        if self.key_deflink not in self.lnk_settings:
-            self.lnk_settings[self.key_deflink] = self.default_link_by_default
         if self.key_workdir not in self.lnk_settings:
             self.lnk_settings[self.key_workdir] = self.default_workdir
         if self.key_showdiff not in self.lnk_settings:
@@ -580,6 +607,78 @@ class Cfg:
         if self.key_ignoreempty not in self.lnk_settings:
             self.lnk_settings[self.key_ignoreempty] = self.default_ignoreempty
 
+        if self.key_dotfile_link not in self.lnk_settings:
+            self.lnk_settings[self.key_dotfile_link] = self.default_link
+        else:
+            key = self.lnk_settings[self.key_dotfile_link]
+            if key != self.lnk_link and \
+                    key != self.lnk_children and \
+                    key != self.lnk_nolink:
+                self.log.err('bad value for {}'.format(self.key_dotfile_link))
+                return False
+
+        if self.key_imp_link not in self.lnk_settings:
+            self.lnk_settings[self.key_imp_link] = self.default_link_imp
+        else:
+            key = self.lnk_settings[self.key_imp_link]
+            if key != self.lnk_link and \
+                    key != self.lnk_children and \
+                    key != self.lnk_nolink:
+                self.log.err('bad value for {}'.format(self.key_dotfile_link))
+                return False
+        return True
+
+    def _fix_deprecated(self):
+        """fix deprecated entries"""
+        # link_by_default
+        key = 'link_by_default'
+        newkey = self.key_imp_link
+        if key in self.lnk_settings:
+            if self.lnk_settings[key]:
+                self.lnk_settings[newkey] = self.lnk_link
+            else:
+                self.lnk_settings[newkey] = self.lnk_nolink
+            del self.lnk_settings[key]
+            self._modified = True
+
+    def _fix_dotfile_link(self, key, entry):
+        """fix deprecated link usage in dotfile entry"""
+        v = entry
+
+        if self.key_dotfiles_link not in v \
+                and self.key_dotfiles_link_children not in v:
+            # nothing defined
+            return v
+
+        new = self.lnk_nolink
+        if self.key_dotfiles_link in v \
+                and type(v[self.key_dotfiles_link]) is bool:
+            # patch link: <bool>
+            if v[self.key_dotfiles_link]:
+                new = self.lnk_link
+            else:
+                new = self.lnk_nolink
+            self._modified = True
+            if self.debug:
+                self.log.dbg('link updated for {} to {}'.format(key, new))
+        elif self.key_dotfiles_link_children in v \
+                and type(v[self.key_dotfiles_link_children]) is bool:
+            # patch link_children: <bool>
+            if v[self.key_dotfiles_link_children]:
+                new = self.lnk_children
+            else:
+                new = self.lnk_nolink
+            del v[self.key_dotfiles_link_children]
+            self._modified = True
+            if self.debug:
+                self.log.dbg('link updated for {} to {}'.format(key, new))
+        else:
+            # no change
+            new = v[self.key_dotfiles_link]
+
+        v[self.key_dotfiles_link] = new
+        return v
+
     def _save(self, content, path):
         """writes the config to file"""
         ret = False
@@ -587,6 +686,8 @@ class Cfg:
             ret = yaml.safe_dump(content, f,
                                  default_flow_style=False,
                                  indent=2)
+        if ret:
+            self._modified = False
         return ret
 
     def _norm_key_elem(self, elem):
@@ -663,12 +764,12 @@ class Cfg:
             return False, self._get_long_key(path, keys)
         return False, self._get_short_key(path, keys)
 
-    def new(self, dotfile, profile, link=LinkTypes.NOLINK, debug=False):
-        """import new dotfile
-        dotfile key will change and can be empty"""
+    def new(self, src, dst, profile, link, debug=False):
+        """import new dotfile"""
         # keep it short
         home = os.path.expanduser('~')
-        dotfile.dst = dotfile.dst.replace(home, '~', 1)
+        dst = dst.replace(home, '~', 1)
+        dotfile = Dotfile('', dst, src)
 
         # adding new profile if doesn't exist
         if profile not in self.lnk_profiles:
@@ -714,10 +815,9 @@ class Cfg:
         }
 
         # set the link flag
-        if link == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
-            dots[dotfile.key][self.key_dotfiles_link] = True
-        elif link == LinkTypes.CHILDREN:
-            dots[dotfile.key][self.key_dotfiles_link_children] = True
+        if link != self._get_def_link():
+            val = link.name.lower()
+            dots[dotfile.key][self.key_dotfiles_link] = val
 
         # link it to this profile in the yaml file
         pro = self.content[self.key_profiles][profile]
@@ -744,7 +844,13 @@ class Cfg:
 
     def get_settings(self):
         """return all defined settings"""
-        return self.lnk_settings.copy()
+        settings = self.lnk_settings.copy()
+        # patch link entries
+        key = self.key_imp_link
+        settings[key] = self._string_to_linktype(settings[key])
+        key = self.key_dotfile_link
+        settings[key] = self._string_to_linktype(settings[key])
+        return settings
 
     def get_variables(self, profile, debug=False):
         """return the variables for this profile"""
@@ -852,6 +958,10 @@ class Cfg:
         self.lnk_settings[self.key_workdir] = workdir
         return ret
 
+    def is_modified(self):
+        """need the db to be saved"""
+        return self._modified
+
     def save(self):
         """save the config to file"""
         # temporary reset paths
diff --git a/dotdrop/dotdrop.py b/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
index ca26baf..a82e125 100644
--- a/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
+++ b/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ from dotdrop.templategen import Templategen
 from dotdrop.installer import Installer
 from dotdrop.updater import Updater
 from dotdrop.comparator import Comparator
-from dotdrop.dotfile import Dotfile
 from dotdrop.config import Cfg
 from dotdrop.utils import get_tmpdir, remove, strip_home, run
 from dotdrop.linktypes import LinkTypes
@@ -60,9 +59,10 @@ def cmd_install(o):
                 preactions.append(action)
         if o.debug:
             LOG.dbg('installing {}'.format(dotfile))
-        if hasattr(dotfile, 'link') and dotfile.link == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
+        if hasattr(dotfile, 'link') and dotfile.link == LinkTypes.LINK:
             r = inst.link(t, dotfile.src, dotfile.dst, actions=preactions)
-        elif hasattr(dotfile, 'link') and dotfile.link == LinkTypes.CHILDREN:
+        elif hasattr(dotfile, 'link') and \
+                dotfile.link == LinkTypes.LINK_CHILDREN:
             r = inst.link_children(t, dotfile.src, dotfile.dst,
                                    actions=preactions)
         else:
@@ -238,13 +238,16 @@ def cmd_importer(o):
             strip = os.sep
         src = src.lstrip(strip)
 
-        # create a new dotfile
-        dotfile = Dotfile('', dst, src)
-
-        linktype = LinkTypes(o.link)
+        # set the link attribute
+        linktype = o.import_link
+        if linktype == LinkTypes.LINK_CHILDREN and \
+                not os.path.isdir(path):
+            LOG.err('importing \"{}\" failed!'.format(path))
+            ret = False
+            continue
 
         if o.debug:
-            LOG.dbg('new dotfile: {}'.format(dotfile))
+            LOG.dbg('new dotfile: src:{} dst:{}'.format(src, dst))
 
         # prepare hierarchy for dotfile
         srcf = os.path.join(o.dotpath, src)
@@ -261,19 +264,14 @@ def cmd_importer(o):
             cmd = ['cp', '-R', '-L', dst, srcf]
             if o.dry:
                 LOG.dry('would run: {}'.format(' '.join(cmd)))
-                if linktype == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
-                    LOG.dry('would symlink {} to {}'.format(srcf, dst))
             else:
                 r, _ = run(cmd, raw=False, debug=o.debug, checkerr=True)
                 if not r:
                     LOG.err('importing \"{}\" failed!'.format(path))
                     ret = False
                     continue
-                if linktype == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
-                    remove(dst)
-                    os.symlink(srcf, dst)
-        retconf, dotfile = o.conf.new(dotfile, o.profile,
-                                      link=linktype, debug=o.debug)
+        retconf, dotfile = o.conf.new(src, dst, o.profile,
+                                      linktype, debug=o.debug)
         if retconf:
             LOG.sub('\"{}\" imported'.format(path))
             cnt += 1
@@ -455,6 +453,10 @@ def main():
         LOG.err('interrupted')
         ret = False
 
+    if ret and o.conf.is_modified():
+        LOG.log('config file updated')
+        o.conf.save()
+
     return ret
 
 
diff --git a/dotdrop/dotfile.py b/dotdrop/dotfile.py
index 178d363..c7e5944 100644
--- a/dotdrop/dotfile.py
+++ b/dotdrop/dotfile.py
@@ -30,6 +30,9 @@ class Dotfile:
         self.dst = dst
         self.src = src
         self.link = link
+        # ensure link of right type
+        if type(link) != LinkTypes:
+            raise Exception('bad value for link: {}'.format(link))
         self.actions = actions
         self.trans_r = trans_r
         self.trans_w = trans_w
diff --git a/dotdrop/linktypes.py b/dotdrop/linktypes.py
index 2e911a1..59da01f 100644
--- a/dotdrop/linktypes.py
+++ b/dotdrop/linktypes.py
@@ -3,5 +3,5 @@ from enum import IntEnum
 
 class LinkTypes(IntEnum):
     NOLINK = 0
-    PARENTS = 1
-    CHILDREN = 2
+    LINK = 1
+    LINK_CHILDREN = 2
diff --git a/dotdrop/options.py b/dotdrop/options.py
index 7426af1..e1beb98 100644
--- a/dotdrop/options.py
+++ b/dotdrop/options.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ stores all options to use across dotdrop
 """
 
 import os
+import sys
 import socket
 from docopt import docopt
 
@@ -33,6 +34,11 @@ HOMECFG = '~/.config/{}'.format(NAME)
 ETCXDGCFG = '/etc/xdg/{}'.format(NAME)
 ETCCFG = '/etc/{}'.format(NAME)
 
+OPT_LINK = {
+    LinkTypes.NOLINK.name.lower(): LinkTypes.NOLINK,
+    LinkTypes.LINK.name.lower(): LinkTypes.LINK,
+    LinkTypes.LINK_CHILDREN.name.lower(): LinkTypes.LINK_CHILDREN}
+
 BANNER = """     _       _      _
   __| | ___ | |_ __| |_ __ ___  _ __
  / _` |/ _ \| __/ _` | '__/ _ \| '_ |
@@ -44,7 +50,7 @@ USAGE = """
 
 Usage:
   dotdrop install   [-VbtfndD] [-c <path>] [-p <profile>] [<key>...]
-  dotdrop import    [-Vbld]    [-c <path>] [-p <profile>] <path>...
+  dotdrop import    [-Vbd]     [-c <path>] [-p <profile>] [-l <link>] <path>...
   dotdrop compare   [-Vb]      [-c <path>] [-p <profile>]
                                [-o <opts>] [-C <file>...] [-i <pattern>...]
   dotdrop update    [-VbfdkP]  [-c <path>] [-p <profile>]
@@ -61,11 +67,11 @@ Options:
   -C --file=<path>        Path of dotfile to compare.
   -i --ignore=<pattern>   Pattern to ignore.
   -o --dopts=<opts>       Diff options [default: ].
+  -l --link=<link>        "link_on_import" (nolink|link|link_children).
   -n --nodiff             Do not diff when installing.
   -t --temp               Install to a temporary directory for review.
   -T --template           Only template dotfiles.
   -D --showdiff           Show a diff before overwriting.
-  -l --inv-link           Invert the value of "link_by_default" when importing.
   -P --show-patch         Provide a one-liner to manually patch template.
   -f --force              Do not warn if exists.
   -k --key                Treat <path> as a dotfile key.
@@ -74,7 +80,6 @@ Options:
   -b --no-banner          Do not display the banner.
   -v --version            Show version.
   -h --help               Show this screen.
-
 """.format(BANNER, PROFILE)
 
 
@@ -179,6 +184,8 @@ class Options(AttrMonitor):
         self.conf = Cfg(self.confpath, profile=profile, debug=self.debug)
         # transform the configs in attribute
         for k, v in self.conf.get_settings().items():
+            if self.debug:
+                self.log.dbg('setting: {}={}'.format(k, v))
             setattr(self, k, v)
 
     def _apply_args(self):
@@ -195,16 +202,18 @@ class Options(AttrMonitor):
         # adapt attributes based on arguments
         self.dry = self.args['--dry']
         self.safe = not self.args['--force']
-        self.link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
-        if self.link_by_default:
-            self.link = LinkTypes.PARENTS
 
-        if self.args['--inv-link']:
-            # Only invert link type from NOLINK to PARENTS and vice-versa
-            if self.link == LinkTypes.NOLINK:
-                self.link = LinkTypes.PARENTS
-            elif self.link == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
-                self.link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
+        # import link default value
+        self.import_link = self.link_on_import
+        if self.args['--link']:
+            # overwrite default import link with cli switch
+            link = self.args['--link']
+            if link not in OPT_LINK.keys():
+                self.log.err('bad option for --link: {}'.format(link))
+                sys.exit(USAGE)
+            self.import_link = OPT_LINK[link]
+        if self.debug:
+            self.log.dbg('link_import value: {}'.format(self.import_link))
 
         # "listfiles" specifics
         self.listfiles_templateonly = self.args['--template']
diff --git a/tests-ng/deprecated-link.sh b/tests-ng/deprecated-link.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..ad5c9c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests-ng/deprecated-link.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,140 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# author: deadc0de6 (https://github.com/deadc0de6)
+# Copyright (c) 2017, deadc0de6
+#
+# test migration from link/link_children to single entry
+# returns 1 in case of error
+#
+
+# exit on first error
+set -e
+
+# all this crap to get current path
+rl="readlink -f"
+if ! ${rl} "${0}" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  rl="realpath"
+
+  if ! hash ${rl}; then
+    echo "\"${rl}\" not found !" && exit 1
+  fi
+fi
+cur=$(dirname "$(${rl} "${0}")")
+
+#hash dotdrop >/dev/null 2>&1
+#[ "$?" != "0" ] && echo "install dotdrop to run tests" && exit 1
+
+#echo "called with ${1}"
+
+# dotdrop path can be pass as argument
+ddpath="${cur}/../"
+[ "${1}" != "" ] && ddpath="${1}"
+[ ! -d ${ddpath} ] && echo "ddpath \"${ddpath}\" is not a directory" && exit 1
+
+export PYTHONPATH="${ddpath}:${PYTHONPATH}"
+bin="python3 -m dotdrop.dotdrop"
+
+echo "dotdrop path: ${ddpath}"
+echo "pythonpath: ${PYTHONPATH}"
+
+# get the helpers
+source ${cur}/helpers
+
+echo -e "\e[96m\e[1m==> RUNNING $(basename $BASH_SOURCE) <==\e[0m"
+
+################################################################
+# this is the test
+################################################################
+
+# the dotfile source
+tmps=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# the dotfile destination
+tmpd=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+
+# create the config file
+cfg="${tmps}/config.yaml"
+
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: false
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_by_default: true
+dotfiles:
+  f_link:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+    link: true
+  f_link1:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+    link: true
+  f_nolink:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+    link: false
+  f_nolink1:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+    link: false
+  f_children:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+    link_children: true
+  f_children2:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+    link_children: true
+  f_children3:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+    link_children: false
+profiles:
+  p1:
+    dotfiles:
+    - f_link
+    - f_nolink
+    - f_nolink1
+    - f_children
+    - f_children2
+    - f_children3
+_EOF
+cat ${cfg}
+
+# create the dotfiles
+echo "test" > ${tmps}/dotfiles/abc
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/abc
+
+# compare
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} compare -c ${cfg} -p p1
+# install
+#cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+
+cat ${cfg}
+
+# fail if find some of these entries
+echo "========> test for bad entries"
+set +e
+grep 'link_children: true' ${cfg} >/dev/null && exit 1
+grep 'link_children: false' ${cfg} >/dev/null && exit 1
+grep 'link: true' ${cfg} >/dev/null && exit 1
+grep 'link: false' ${cfg} >/dev/null && exit 1
+grep 'link_by_default: true' ${cfg} >/dev/null && exit 1
+grep 'link_by_default: false' ${cfg} >/dev/null && exit 1
+set -e
+
+# test values have been correctly updated
+echo "========> test for updated entries"
+dotfiles=`cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 | grep -v '^ '`
+echo "${dotfiles}" | grep '^f_link ' | grep ', link: link)'
+echo "${dotfiles}" | grep '^f_nolink ' | grep ', link: nolink)'
+echo "${dotfiles}" | grep '^f_nolink1 ' | grep ', link: nolink)'
+echo "${dotfiles}" | grep '^f_children ' | grep ', link: link_children)'
+echo "${dotfiles}" | grep '^f_children2 ' | grep ', link: link_children)'
+echo "${dotfiles}" | grep '^f_children3 ' | grep ', link: nolink)'
+
+## CLEANING
+rm -rf ${tmps} ${tmpd}
+
+echo "OK"
+exit 0
diff --git a/tests-ng/import-link-children.sh b/tests-ng/import-link-children.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..4f0885a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests-ng/import-link-children.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# author: deadc0de6 (https://github.com/deadc0de6)
+# Copyright (c) 2017, deadc0de6
+#
+# test importing link_children
+# returns 1 in case of error
+#
+
+# exit on first error
+set -e
+
+# all this crap to get current path
+rl="readlink -f"
+if ! ${rl} "${0}" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  rl="realpath"
+
+  if ! hash ${rl}; then
+    echo "\"${rl}\" not found !" && exit 1
+  fi
+fi
+cur=$(dirname "$(${rl} "${0}")")
+
+#hash dotdrop >/dev/null 2>&1
+#[ "$?" != "0" ] && echo "install dotdrop to run tests" && exit 1
+
+#echo "called with ${1}"
+
+# dotdrop path can be pass as argument
+ddpath="${cur}/../"
+[ "${1}" != "" ] && ddpath="${1}"
+[ ! -d ${ddpath} ] && echo "ddpath \"${ddpath}\" is not a directory" && exit 1
+
+export PYTHONPATH="${ddpath}:${PYTHONPATH}"
+bin="python3 -m dotdrop.dotdrop"
+
+echo "dotdrop path: ${ddpath}"
+echo "pythonpath: ${PYTHONPATH}"
+
+# get the helpers
+source ${cur}/helpers
+
+echo -e "\e[96m\e[1m==> RUNNING $(basename $BASH_SOURCE) <==\e[0m"
+
+################################################################
+# this is the test
+################################################################
+
+# the dotfile source
+tmps=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# the dotfile destination
+tmpd=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+
+# dotpath
+dotpath="${tmps}/dotfiles"
+mkdir -p ${dotpath}
+
+# create the dotfile to import
+dt="${tmpd}/directory"
+mkdir -p ${dt}
+# subdir
+dtsub1="${dt}/sub1"
+mkdir -p ${dtsub1}
+dtsub2="${dt}/sub2"
+mkdir -p ${dtsub2}
+dtsub3="${dtsub1}/subsub1"
+mkdir -p ${dtsub3}
+# files
+f1="${dt}/file"
+subf1="${dtsub1}/file"
+subf2="${dtsub2}/file"
+subf3="${dtsub3}/file"
+touch ${f1} ${subf1} ${subf2} ${subf3}
+
+# create the config file
+cfg="${tmps}/config.yaml"
+
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V --link=link_children ${dt}
+
+# check is set to link_children
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "d_`basename ${dt}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: link_children'
+
+# checks file exists in dotpath
+[ ! -e ${dotpath}/${dt} ] && echo "dotfile not imported" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dotpath}/${dtsub1} ] && echo "sub1 not found in dotpath" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dotpath}/${dtsub2} ] && echo "sub2 not found in dotpath" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dotpath}/${dtsub3} ] && echo "sub3 not found in dotpath" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dotpath}/${f1} ] && echo "f1 not found in dotpath" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dotpath}/${subf1} ] && echo "subf1 not found in dotpath" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dotpath}/${subf2} ] && echo "subf2 not found in dotpath" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dotpath}/${subf3} ] && echo "subf3 not found in dotpath" && exit 1
+
+# checks file exists in fs
+[ ! -e ${dt} ] && echo "dotfile not imported" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dtsub1} ] && echo "sub1 not found in fs" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dtsub2} ] && echo "sub2 not found in fs" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${dtsub3} ] && echo "sub3 not found in fs" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${f1} ] && echo "f1 not found in fs" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${subf1} ] && echo "subf1 not found in fs" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${subf2} ] && echo "subf2 not found in fs" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${subf3} ] && echo "subf3 not found in fs" && exit 1
+
+# install
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+
+# checks file have correct type in fs
+[ ! -h ${f1} ] && echo "f1 is not a symlink" && exit 1
+[ -h ${subf1} ] && echo "subf1 is not a regular file" && exit 1
+[ -h ${subf2} ] && echo "subf2 is not a regular file" && exit 1
+[ -h ${subf3} ] && echo "subf3 is not a regular file" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${dtsub1} ] && echo "dtsub1 is not a symlink" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${dtsub2} ] && echo "dtsub2 is not a symlink" && exit 1
+[ -h ${dtsub3} ] && echo "dtsub3 is not a regular directory" && exit 1
+
+## CLEANING
+rm -rf ${tmps} ${tmpd}
+
+echo "OK"
+exit 0
diff --git a/tests-ng/inst-link-default.sh b/tests-ng/inst-link-default.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..a6811a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests-ng/inst-link-default.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,156 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# author: deadc0de6 (https://github.com/deadc0de6)
+# Copyright (c) 2017, deadc0de6
+#
+# test link_dotfile_default
+# returns 1 in case of error
+#
+
+# exit on first error
+set -e
+
+# all this crap to get current path
+rl="readlink -f"
+if ! ${rl} "${0}" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  rl="realpath"
+
+  if ! hash ${rl}; then
+    echo "\"${rl}\" not found !" && exit 1
+  fi
+fi
+cur=$(dirname "$(${rl} "${0}")")
+
+#hash dotdrop >/dev/null 2>&1
+#[ "$?" != "0" ] && echo "install dotdrop to run tests" && exit 1
+
+#echo "called with ${1}"
+
+# dotdrop path can be pass as argument
+ddpath="${cur}/../"
+[ "${1}" != "" ] && ddpath="${1}"
+[ ! -d ${ddpath} ] && echo "ddpath \"${ddpath}\" is not a directory" && exit 1
+
+export PYTHONPATH="${ddpath}:${PYTHONPATH}"
+bin="python3 -m dotdrop.dotdrop"
+
+echo "dotdrop path: ${ddpath}"
+echo "pythonpath: ${PYTHONPATH}"
+
+# get the helpers
+source ${cur}/helpers
+
+echo -e "\e[96m\e[1m==> RUNNING $(basename $BASH_SOURCE) <==\e[0m"
+
+################################################################
+# this is the test
+################################################################
+
+# the dotfile source
+tmps=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# the dotfile destination
+tmpd=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+#echo "dotfile destination: ${tmpd}"
+
+# create the dotfile
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles/abc
+echo "test link_dotfile_default 1" > ${tmps}/dotfiles/abc/file1
+echo "test link_dotfile_default 2" > ${tmps}/dotfiles/abc/file2
+
+# create a shell script
+# create the config file
+cfg="${tmps}/config.yaml"
+
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+  d_abc:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+profiles:
+  p1:
+    dotfiles:
+    - d_abc
+_EOF
+#cat ${cfg}
+
+# install
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+#cat ${cfg}
+
+# ensure exists and is not link
+[ ! -d ${tmpd}/abc ] && echo "not a directory" && exit 1
+[ -h ${tmpd}/abc ] && echo "not a regular file" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${tmpd}/abc/file1 ] && echo "not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${tmpd}/abc/file1 ] && echo "not a regular file" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${tmpd}/abc/file2 ] && echo "not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${tmpd}/abc/file2 ] && echo "not a regular file" && exit 1
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/abc
+
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_dotfile_default: link
+dotfiles:
+  d_abc:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+profiles:
+  p1:
+    dotfiles:
+    - d_abc
+_EOF
+
+# install
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+#cat ${cfg}
+
+# ensure exists and parent is a link
+[ ! -e ${tmpd}/abc ] && echo "not exist" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${tmpd}/abc ] && echo "not a symlink" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${tmpd}/abc/file1 ] && echo "not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${tmpd}/abc/file1 ] && echo "not a regular file" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${tmpd}/abc/file2 ] && echo "not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${tmpd}/abc/file2 ] && echo "not a regular file" && exit 1
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/abc
+
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_dotfile_default: link_children
+dotfiles:
+  d_abc:
+    dst: ${tmpd}/abc
+    src: abc
+profiles:
+  p1:
+    dotfiles:
+    - d_abc
+_EOF
+
+# install
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+#cat ${cfg}
+
+# ensure exists and children are links
+[ ! -e ${tmpd}/abc ] && echo "not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${tmpd}/abc ] && echo "not a regular file" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${tmpd}/abc/file1 ] && echo "not exist" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${tmpd}/abc/file1 ] && echo "not a symlink" && exit 1
+[ ! -e ${tmpd}/abc/file2 ] && echo "not exist" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${tmpd}/abc/file2 ] && echo "not a symlink" && exit 1
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/abc
+
+## CLEANING
+rm -rf ${tmps} ${tmpd} ${scr}
+
+echo "OK"
+exit 0
diff --git a/tests-ng/jhelpers.sh b/tests-ng/jhelpers.sh
index fbb5414..2816236 100755
--- a/tests-ng/jhelpers.sh
+++ b/tests-ng/jhelpers.sh
@@ -104,9 +104,11 @@ cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
 #cat ${tmpd}/abc
 
 grep '^this should exist' ${tmpd}/abc >/dev/null
-grep -v '^this should not exist' ${tmpd}/abc >/dev/null
 grep '^this should exist too' ${tmpd}/abc >/dev/null
-grep -v '^this should not exist either' ${tmpd}/abc >/dev/null
+set +e
+grep '^this should not exist' ${tmpd}/abc >/dev/null && exit 1
+grep '^this should not exist either' ${tmpd}/abc >/dev/null && exit 1
+set -e
 
 #cat ${tmpd}/abc
 
diff --git a/tests-ng/link-import-default.sh b/tests-ng/link-import-default.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..c38e9d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests-ng/link-import-default.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# author: deadc0de6 (https://github.com/deadc0de6)
+# Copyright (c) 2019, deadc0de6
+#
+# test the use of the keyword "link_on_import"
+# returns 1 in case of error
+#
+
+# exit on first error
+set -e
+
+# all this crap to get current path
+rl="readlink -f"
+if ! ${rl} "${0}" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  rl="realpath"
+
+  if ! hash ${rl}; then
+    echo "\"${rl}\" not found !" && exit 1
+  fi
+fi
+cur=$(dirname "$(${rl} "${0}")")
+
+#hash dotdrop >/dev/null 2>&1
+#[ "$?" != "0" ] && echo "install dotdrop to run tests" && exit 1
+
+#echo "called with ${1}"
+
+# dotdrop path can be pass as argument
+ddpath="${cur}/../"
+[ "${1}" != "" ] && ddpath="${1}"
+[ ! -d ${ddpath} ] && echo "ddpath \"${ddpath}\" is not a directory" && exit 1
+
+export PYTHONPATH="${ddpath}:${PYTHONPATH}"
+bin="python3 -m dotdrop.dotdrop"
+
+echo "dotdrop path: ${ddpath}"
+echo "pythonpath: ${PYTHONPATH}"
+
+# get the helpers
+source ${cur}/helpers
+
+echo -e "\e[96m\e[1m==> RUNNING $(basename $BASH_SOURCE) <==\e[0m"
+
+################################################################
+# this is the test
+################################################################
+
+# the dotfile source
+tmps=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# the dotfile destination
+tmpd=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+
+# create the config file
+cfg="${tmps}/config.yaml"
+
+# create the source
+echo "abc" > ${tmpd}/abc
+
+# import with nolink by default
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V ${tmpd}/abc
+
+# checks
+inside="${tmps}/dotfiles/${tmpd}/abc"
+[ ! -e ${inside} ] && exit 1
+
+set +e
+cat ${cfg} | grep 'link:' && exit 1
+set -e
+
+# import with parent by default
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: link
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V ${tmpd}/abc
+
+# checks
+inside="${tmps}/dotfiles/${tmpd}/abc"
+[ ! -e ${inside} ] && exit 1
+
+cat ${cfg}
+cat ${cfg} | grep 'link: link' >/dev/null
+
+## CLEANING
+rm -rf ${tmps} ${tmpd}
+
+echo "OK"
+exit 0
diff --git a/tests-ng/link-value-tests.sh b/tests-ng/link-value-tests.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..94669b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests-ng/link-value-tests.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,479 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# author: deadc0de6 (https://github.com/deadc0de6)
+# Copyright (c) 2019, deadc0de6
+#
+# test the behavior when playing with link_dotfile_default
+# and link_on_import on import
+# returns 1 in case of error
+#
+
+# exit on first error
+set -e
+
+# all this crap to get current path
+rl="readlink -f"
+if ! ${rl} "${0}" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  rl="realpath"
+
+  if ! hash ${rl}; then
+    echo "\"${rl}\" not found !" && exit 1
+  fi
+fi
+cur=$(dirname "$(${rl} "${0}")")
+
+#hash dotdrop >/dev/null 2>&1
+#[ "$?" != "0" ] && echo "install dotdrop to run tests" && exit 1
+
+#echo "called with ${1}"
+
+# dotdrop path can be pass as argument
+ddpath="${cur}/../"
+[ "${1}" != "" ] && ddpath="${1}"
+[ ! -d ${ddpath} ] && echo "ddpath \"${ddpath}\" is not a directory" && exit 1
+
+export PYTHONPATH="${ddpath}:${PYTHONPATH}"
+bin="python3 -m dotdrop.dotdrop"
+
+echo "dotdrop path: ${ddpath}"
+echo "pythonpath: ${PYTHONPATH}"
+
+# get the helpers
+source ${cur}/helpers
+
+echo -e "\e[96m\e[1m==> RUNNING $(basename $BASH_SOURCE) <==\e[0m"
+
+################################################################
+# this is the test
+################################################################
+
+# the dotfile source
+tmps=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# the dotfile destination
+tmpd=`mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests'`
+
+# create the config file
+cfg="${tmps}/config.yaml"
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with all default"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 ${df} -V
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "f_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: nolink'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df} ] && echo "is symlink" && exit 1
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with link_on_import=nolink and link_dotfile_default=nolink"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: nolink
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 ${df} -V
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "f_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: nolink'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df} ] && echo "is symlink" && exit 1
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with link_on_import=nolink and link_dotfile_default=nolink and --link=nolink"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: nolink
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 ${df} -V --link=nolink
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "f_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: nolink'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df} ] && echo "is symlink" && exit 1
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with link_on_import=nolink and link_dotfile_default=nolink and --link=link"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: nolink
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 ${df} -V --link=link
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "f_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: link'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${df} ] && echo "not symlink" && exit 1
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with link_on_import=link and link_dotfile_default=nolink"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: link
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 ${df} -V
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "f_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: link'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${df} ] && echo "not symlink" && exit 1
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with link_on_import=link and link_dotfile_default=nolink and --link=nolink"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: link
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 ${df} -V --link=nolink
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "f_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: nolink'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df} ] && echo "is symlink" && exit 1
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with link_on_import=nolink and link_dotfile_default=link"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: nolink
+  link_dotfile_default: link
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 ${df} -V --link=nolink
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "f_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: nolink'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df} ] && echo "is symlink" && exit 1
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with link_on_import=link and link_dotfile_default=nolink and --link=nolink"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: link
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 ${df} -V --link=nolink
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "f_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: nolink'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df} ] && echo "is symlink" && exit 1
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with all default and --link=link"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} --link=link -p p1 ${df} -V
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "f_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: link'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${df} ] && echo "not a symlink" && exit 1
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with all default and --link=link_children"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+set +e
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} --link=link_children -p p1 ${df} -V
+[ "$?" = "0" ] && echo "link_children with file should fail" && exit 1
+set -e
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------
+echo -e "\n======> import with all default and --link=link_children"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+mkdir -p ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert/file
+mkdir -p ${tmpd}/qwert/directory
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert/directory/file
+
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} --link=link_children -p p1 ${df} -V
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "d_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: link_children'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df} ] && echo "is a symlink" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${df}/file ] && echo "file is not a symlink" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${df}/directory ] && echo "directory is not a symlink" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df}/directory/file ] && echo "directory/file is a symlink" && exit 1
+
+echo -e "\n======> import with link_on_import=link_children and link_dotfile_default=nolink"
+# create the source
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+mkdir -p ${tmpd}/qwert
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert/file
+mkdir -p ${tmpd}/qwert/directory
+echo "test" > ${tmpd}/qwert/directory/file
+
+# clean
+rm -rf ${tmps}/dotfiles
+mkdir -p ${tmps}/dotfiles
+# config file
+cat > ${cfg} << _EOF
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  link_on_import: link_children
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+_EOF
+
+# import
+df="${tmpd}/qwert"
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} import -c ${cfg} -p p1 ${df} -V
+
+# checks
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+line=$(cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} listfiles -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V | grep "d_`basename ${df}`")
+echo ${line} | grep 'link: link_children'
+
+# try to install
+rm -rf ${tmpd}/qwert
+cd ${ddpath} | ${bin} install -f -c ${cfg} -p p1 -V
+[ ! -e ${df} ] && echo "does not exist" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df} ] && echo "is a symlink" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${df}/file ] && echo "file is not a symlink" && exit 1
+[ ! -h ${df}/directory ] && echo "directory is not a symlink" && exit 1
+[ -h ${df}/directory/file ] && echo "directory/file is a symlink" && exit 1
+
+## CLEANING
+rm -rf ${tmps} ${tmpd}
+
+echo "OK"
+exit 0
diff --git a/tests.sh b/tests.sh
index 5777444..8aabf14 100755
--- a/tests.sh
+++ b/tests.sh
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ set -e
 
 # comment this to get debug info
 export DOTDROP_FORCE_NODEBUG=
+export DOTDROP_NOBANNER=
 
 # execute tests with coverage
 PYTHONPATH=dotdrop ${nosebin} -s --with-coverage --cover-package=dotdrop
diff --git a/tests/helpers.py b/tests/helpers.py
index d43d1f2..091cac3 100644
--- a/tests/helpers.py
+++ b/tests/helpers.py
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ def _fake_args():
     args['--force'] = False
     args['--nodiff'] = False
     args['--showdiff'] = True
-    args['--inv-link'] = False
+    args['--link'] = 'nolink'
     args['--template'] = False
     args['--temp'] = False
     args['<key>'] = []
@@ -118,14 +118,13 @@ def load_options(confpath, profile):
     args['--cfg'] = confpath
     args['--profile'] = profile
     # and get the options
-    # TODO need to patch options
     o = Options(args=args)
     o.profile = profile
     o.dry = False
     o.profile = profile
     o.safe = True
     o.install_diff = True
-    o.link = LinkTypes.NOLINK.value
+    o.import_link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
     o.install_showdiff = True
     o.debug = True
     if ENV_NODEBUG in os.environ:
diff --git a/tests/test_config.py b/tests/test_config.py
index a3112f3..b28e029 100644
--- a/tests/test_config.py
+++ b/tests/test_config.py
@@ -6,11 +6,15 @@ basic unittest for the config parser
 
 
 import unittest
+from unittest.mock import patch
 import os
 import yaml
 
 from dotdrop.config import Cfg
-from tests.helpers import get_tempdir, clean, create_fake_config
+from dotdrop.options import Options
+from dotdrop.linktypes import LinkTypes
+from tests.helpers import get_tempdir, clean, \
+        create_fake_config, _fake_args
 
 
 class TestConfig(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -45,6 +49,84 @@ class TestConfig(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertTrue(conf._is_valid())
         self.assertTrue(conf.dump() != '')
 
+    def test_def_link(self):
+        self._test_link_import('nolink', LinkTypes.LINK, 'link')
+        self._test_link_import('nolink', LinkTypes.NOLINK, 'nolink')
+        self._test_link_import('nolink',
+                               LinkTypes.LINK_CHILDREN,
+                               'link_children')
+        self._test_link_import('link', LinkTypes.LINK, 'link')
+        self._test_link_import('link', LinkTypes.NOLINK, 'nolink')
+        self._test_link_import('link',
+                               LinkTypes.LINK_CHILDREN,
+                               'link_children')
+        self._test_link_import('link_children', LinkTypes.LINK, 'link')
+        self._test_link_import('link_children', LinkTypes.NOLINK, 'nolink')
+        self._test_link_import('link_children', LinkTypes.LINK_CHILDREN,
+                               'link_children')
+        self._test_link_import_fail('whatever')
+
+    @patch('dotdrop.config.open', create=True)
+    @patch('dotdrop.config.os.path.exists', create=True)
+    def _test_link_import(self, cfgstring, expected,
+                          cliargs, mock_exists, mock_open):
+        data = '''
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  banner: true
+  longkey: false
+  keepdot: false
+  link_on_import: {}
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+        '''.format(cfgstring)
+
+        mock_open.side_effect = [
+                unittest.mock.mock_open(read_data=data).return_value
+                ]
+        mock_exists.return_value = True
+
+        args = _fake_args()
+        args['--profile'] = 'p1'
+        args['--cfg'] = 'mocked'
+        args['--link'] = cliargs
+        o = Options(args=args)
+
+        self.assertTrue(o.import_link == expected)
+
+    @patch('dotdrop.config.open', create=True)
+    @patch('dotdrop.config.os.path.exists', create=True)
+    def _test_link_import_fail(self, value, mock_exists, mock_open):
+        data = '''
+config:
+  backup: true
+  create: true
+  dotpath: dotfiles
+  banner: true
+  longkey: false
+  keepdot: false
+  link_on_import: {}
+  link_dotfile_default: nolink
+dotfiles:
+profiles:
+        '''.format(value)
+
+        mock_open.side_effect = [
+                unittest.mock.mock_open(read_data=data).return_value
+                ]
+        mock_exists.return_value = True
+
+        args = _fake_args()
+        args['--profile'] = 'p1'
+        args['--cfg'] = 'mocked'
+
+        with self.assertRaisesRegex(ValueError, 'config is not valid'):
+            o = Options(args=args)
+            print(o.import_link)
+
     def test_include(self):
         tmp = get_tempdir()
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(tmp))
diff --git a/tests/test_import.py b/tests/test_import.py
index 57b370b..25ef41f 100644
--- a/tests/test_import.py
+++ b/tests/test_import.py
@@ -112,11 +112,11 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
         o.import_path = dfiles
         cmd_importer(o)
         # import symlink
-        o.link = LinkTypes.PARENTS
+        o.import_link = LinkTypes.LINK
         sfiles = [dotfile6, dotfile7]
         o.import_path = sfiles
         cmd_importer(o)
-        o.link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
+        o.import_link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
 
         # reload the config
         o = load_options(confpath, profile)
@@ -191,12 +191,6 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
                           sub4)
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(s4))
 
-        # test symlink on filesystem
-        self.assertTrue(os.path.islink(dotfile6))
-        self.assertTrue(os.path.realpath(dotfile6) == indt6)
-        self.assertTrue(os.path.islink(dotfile7))
-        self.assertTrue(os.path.realpath(dotfile7) == indt7)
-
         cmd_list_profiles(o)
         cmd_list_files(o)
 
diff --git a/tests/test_install.py b/tests/test_install.py
index 0eb2972..01eb496 100644
--- a/tests/test_install.py
+++ b/tests/test_install.py
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@ from dotdrop.installer import Installer
 from dotdrop.action import Action
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_install
 from dotdrop.options import BACKUP_SUFFIX
-from dotdrop.linktypes import LinkTypes
 from dotdrop.utils import header
+from dotdrop.linktypes import LinkTypes
 
 
 class TestInstall(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -57,12 +57,7 @@ exec bspwm
                 f.write('  {}:\n'.format(d.key))
                 f.write('    dst: {}\n'.format(d.dst))
                 f.write('    src: {}\n'.format(d.src))
-                if d.link == LinkTypes.CHILDREN:
-                    f.write('    link_children: {}\n'
-                            .format(str(d.link == LinkTypes.CHILDREN).lower()))
-                else:
-                    f.write('    link: {}\n'
-                            .format(str(d.link == LinkTypes.PARENTS).lower()))
+                f.write('    link: {}\n'.format(d.link.name.lower()))
                 if len(d.actions) > 0:
                     f.write('    actions:\n')
                     for action in d.actions:
@@ -122,7 +117,8 @@ exec bspwm
         f5, c5 = create_random_file(tmp)
         dst5 = os.path.join(dst, get_string(6))
         self.addCleanup(clean, dst5)
-        d5 = Dotfile(get_string(6), dst5, os.path.basename(f5), link=True)
+        d5 = Dotfile(get_string(6), dst5,
+                     os.path.basename(f5), link=LinkTypes.LINK)
 
         # create the dotfile directories in dotdrop
         dir1 = create_dir(os.path.join(tmp, get_string(6)))
@@ -148,7 +144,8 @@ exec bspwm
         sub4, _ = create_random_file(dir2)
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(sub4))
         # make up the dotfile
-        d7 = Dotfile(get_string(6), dst7, os.path.basename(dir2), link=True)
+        d7 = Dotfile(get_string(6), dst7,
+                     os.path.basename(dir2), link=LinkTypes.LINK)
 
         # to test actions
         value = get_string(12)