Inodes concept in Linux CLI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is an inode in a Linux file system?

An inode is a data structure that stores information about a file except its name and actual data. It holds metadata like file size, permissions, owner, and pointers to data blocks.

beginner

Which command shows the inode number of files in a directory?

The command ls -i lists files with their inode numbers.

intermediate

How does the inode relate to the file name?

The inode does not store the file name. The file name is stored in the directory entry that points to the inode number.

intermediate

What happens if two file names point to the same inode?

They are called hard links. Both names refer to the same file data and metadata. Changes to one affect the other.

advanced

Why can a file still exist if its name is deleted but the inode is not?

Because the inode keeps track of how many links point to it. If the link count is not zero, the file data remains until all links are removed.

What does an inode NOT store?

A File size

B File name

C File permissions

D Pointers to data blocks

Inodes store metadata like size, permissions, and pointers, but the file name is stored separately in the directory entry.

Which command shows inode numbers alongside file names?

A df

B ls -l

C ls -i

D stat

ls -i lists files with their inode numbers.

What is a hard link in terms of inodes?

A A file stored in a different directory

B A symbolic shortcut to a file

C A backup copy of a file

D Two file names pointing to the same inode

Hard links are multiple file names that point to the same inode, sharing the same data.

If a file's name is deleted but the inode link count is not zero, what happens?

A The file data remains accessible via other links

B The file data is immediately deleted

C The inode number changes

D The file is moved to trash

The file remains as long as at least one link points to its inode.

Where is the file name stored in a Linux file system?

A In the directory entry

B Inside the inode

C In the data blocks

D In the superblock

File names are stored in directory entries that map to inode numbers.

Explain what an inode is and what information it contains.

Think about what details a file system needs to manage files besides their names.

Describe the relationship between file names, inodes, and hard links.

Consider how files can have more than one name pointing to the same data.