Symbolic links and hard links

In short: A symbolic link (symlink) is a shortcut pointing to a path. A hard link is a second name for the same file.

In more detail: A symlink stores only the target path as text. If the target is moved or deleted, the link points to nothing (“broken link”). A hard link points directly to the data and stays valid as long as at least one name exists.

In Depth

• Creating: ln -s target linkname (symlink), ln target linkname (hard link).
• Directories: Symlinks can point to folders and across file systems; hard links cannot.
• Security: Attackers use symlinks for path tricks, so check target paths before access (realpath).
• Use cases: Switching program versions (current → release-42), placing configurations in one location.
• Windows: Knows similar concepts as shortcuts, junctions and symlinks.

See also: Inodes