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Links in Linux

Modifying permissions on a hardlink or the source alters both, but not the softlink.

The difference between hard links and symbolic links in Linux can be a confusing subject. This short article was written to help you understand the differences.

Hard Links:

Hardlinks refer to the exact same location as the original file. Any changes, such as altering the data or changing permissions, will alter BOTH files. If the source file is deleted, the hardlink will remain, pointing to the same location as ever.

Deleting the source file leaves the hardlink working, but the softlink is now a shortcut to something that doesn’t exist!

Softlinks

A softlink can have different permissions than the source file, but if the source file is removed, the softlink is now useless. A softlink is essentially a shortcut. Any action taken on the softlink will actually affect the source file, and the softlink itself doesn’t actually contain the data in the main file!

In short, there’s a time and place for each. Softlinks are convenient, but using a hardlink means that you’ll never lose the data unless all the links are removed.