2.7 Links

Links allow you to have multiple references to a single file.

Inodes

Every file in a filesystem is identified by an inode (index node), which stores metadata (permissions, owner, size, disk location) but not the filename. Directories map filenames to inodes.

Types of Links

1. Hard Links

A hard link is just another name for the existing file. Both names point to the same inode.

Properties:
- Must be on the same filesystem.
- Cannot link to directories.
- Deleting the original name does not delete the data (as long as one link remains).
Command:
```
ln target_file link_name
```

2. Symbolic Links (Soft Links)

A symbolic link is a special file that points to the path of another file. It’s like a shortcut in Windows.

Properties:
- Can span distinct filesystems.
- Can link to directories.
- If the original is deleted, the link becomes broken.
Command:
```
ln -s target_file link_name
```

Examples

# Create a dummy file
touch original.txt

# Create a hard link
ln original.txt hard.txt

# Create a soft link
ln -s original.txt soft.txt

# View inodes (first column)
ls -li