Given the command ls -i /tmp shows inode 12345 for a file named 'tempfile', what happens if you delete 'tempfile' but a hard link to it still exists?

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Linux CLI - Disk and Storage

Given the command ls -i /tmp shows inode 12345 for a file named 'tempfile', what happens if you delete 'tempfile' but a hard link to it still exists?

AThe file content is lost

BThe inode is deleted immediately

CThe inode and data remain accessible via the hard link

DThe hard link becomes invalid

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand inode reference counting
Inodes track how many links point to the file; deleting one link reduces count but does not remove data if others exist.
Step 2: Effect of deleting one hard link
Since a hard link still exists, the inode and data remain accessible through it.
Final Answer:
The inode and data remain accessible via the hard link -> Option C
Quick Check:
Inode persists while links exist [OK]

Quick Trick: Inode stays until all hard links are deleted [OK]

Common Mistakes:

Assuming inode deletes when one link is removed
Thinking file content is lost immediately
Confusing hard links with symbolic links

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More Linux CLI Quizzes

Given the command ls -i /tmp shows inode 12345 for a file named 'tempfile', what happens if you delete 'tempfile' but a hard link to it still exists?

Step 1: Understand inode reference counting

Step 2: Effect of deleting one hard link

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

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