Hard Link

Hard links are just different names for the same file.

• One file can have many different names or hard links.
• Both original file and link file have same Inode number(Index Number).
• If one is modified, the other one is also modified automatically.
• Both files’ link number increases to 2.
• Even though original is deleted, link file works properly.
• Form: ln originalFile linkFile

Soft Link (Symbolic Link)

Soft links are similar to MS windows shortcut.

• One file can have many shortcuts pointing to it.
• Original file and link file have Different Inode number(Index Number).
• If one is modified, the other one is also modified automatically.
• Link number doesn’t change.
• If original is deleted, link file doesn’t work.
• Form: ln -s originalFile linkFile