ln (hard and symbolic links) in Linux CLI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a hard link in Linux?

A hard link is a directory entry that associates a name with a file on the same filesystem. It points directly to the file's data (inode), so multiple names can refer to the same content.

beginner

What is a symbolic (soft) link in Linux?

A symbolic link is a special file that points to another file or directory by name. It acts like a shortcut and can cross filesystem boundaries.

beginner

Command to create a hard link named 'linkfile' to 'originalfile'?

Use: ln originalfile linkfile. This creates a hard link named 'linkfile' pointing to the same data as 'originalfile'.

beginner

Command to create a symbolic link named 'symlink' to 'targetfile'?

Use: ln -s targetfile symlink. This creates a symbolic link named 'symlink' pointing to 'targetfile'.

intermediate

Difference between hard and symbolic links?

Hard links point directly to file data and must be on the same filesystem. Symbolic links point to file names and can cross filesystems. Deleting the original file breaks symbolic links but not hard links.

Which command creates a symbolic link?

A ln -s target link

B ln target link

C link -s target link

D ln -h target link

The '-s' option with 'ln' creates a symbolic link.

What happens if you delete the original file of a hard link?

A The hard link still works and data remains accessible

B The hard link breaks and data is lost

C The hard link becomes a symbolic link

D The system deletes all hard links automatically

Hard links point to the same data, so deleting one name does not remove the data if other hard links exist.

Can hard links point to directories?

A Only symbolic links can point to directories

B No, usually hard links to directories are not allowed

C Yes, always

D Only if you use the -d option

Most systems prevent creating hard links to directories to avoid filesystem loops.

Which type of link can cross filesystem boundaries?

A Hard links

B Both hard and symbolic links

C Symbolic links

D Neither

Symbolic links point to file names and can link across different filesystems.

What does the command 'ls -l' show for a symbolic link?

A Nothing special, same as a regular file

B Only the link name

C The size of the target file

D The link name followed by '->' and the target file name

'ls -l' shows symbolic links with an arrow pointing to their target.

Explain how hard links and symbolic links differ in Linux.

Think about what each link points to and what happens if the original file is removed.

Describe the commands to create hard and symbolic links and when you would use each.

Recall the syntax and practical use cases for each link type.