Linux: Hardlink vs Softlink(Symbolic link)

Hard link: Directly links to file data on disk. Deleting any hard link doesn't affect data until all links are removed.

Symbolic link: Simply points to another file or directory. Deleting a symbolic link doesn't remove the target file, but deleting the target file makes the link invalid.

why these links are used?

Hard links are used for efficient file organization, backup strategies, and sharing files without duplication.

Symbolic links are used for flexible file referencing, creating shortcuts or aliases, and cross-filesystem referencing.

let's consider an example directory structure:

home/user/

|- file1.txt

|- file2.txt

Hard Links Example:

1. Create a hard link:

    ln /home/user/file1.txt /home/user/hardlink.txt
   

   Now, file1.txt and hardlink.txt both point to the same inode on the filesystem.

2. Modify hardlink.txt:

    bashCopy codeecho "Hello from hardlink.txt" >> /home/user/hardlink.txt
   

   This modification affects file1.txt as well because they both point to the same data on disk.

3. Delete file1.txt:

    bashCopy coderm /home/user/file1.txt
   

   Even after deleting file1.txt, the data is still accessible through hardlink.txt because it's just another name for the same file data.

Symbolic Links Example:

1. Create a symbolic link:

    bashCopy codeln -s /home/user/file2.txt /home/user/symlink.txt
   

   Now, symlink.txt is a symbolic link pointing to file2.txt.

2. Modify file2.txt:

    bashCopy codeecho "Hello from file2.txt" >> /home/user/file2.txt
   

   The modification in file2.txt will be reflected in symlink.txt because it's pointing to the same target file.

3. Delete file2.txt:

    bashCopy coderm /home/user/file2.txt
   

   After deleting file2.txt, symlink.txt still exists, but it's now a broken link because its target file no longer exists.

   #HardLink #SoftLink #SymbolicLink #Filesystem #Unix #Linux #FileOrganization #BackupStrategies #FileReferencing #FilesystemManagement