Difference between Hardlink and Softlink
This post explains the difference between Hardlink and Softlink.
Hardlinks:
Hardlink is a directory entry or a file pointing to the inode of another directory/file. ie., even if you change the name of the other file, the hardlink still point the same file.
To configure Hardlink
ln <source file> <destination file>
Softlink:
Softlink is also known as symbolic link and symlink. It is a file that links to another file or directory using its path.
To configure Softlink
ls -s <source file> <destination file>
Difference between Hardlink and Softlink
- Size of the link file is same as the original file
- Original and link file will have the same inode
- It cannot be created across partitions
- Editing of original file will be replicated into the linked file
- If the original file is deleted then also the link file will be accessible
- Size of the link file is less than the original file
- Inode number of the link file will be different
- It can be created across partitions
- Editing of original file will be replicated into the linked file
- If the original file is deleted, the link file will not be accessible
Also Read: How to delete files older than N Days in Linux
That’s it!
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