Hard Links vs Symbolic Links in Linux

Hard Links and Symbolic Links are two types of links used in Linux systems to create shortcuts to files. Here are the main differences:

1. Hard Links: Hard links are direct pointers to the inode of the target file. They essentially create multiple directory entries pointing to the same data on disk. If you delete the original file, the hard link will still retain the data because it points directly to the inode. Hard links cannot link directories and cannot span filesystems.
2. Symbolic Links: Symbolic links, also known as soft links, are pointers to the target file by filename. They are independent of the inode and can link directories as well as files. If the original file is moved or deleted, the symbolic link will be broken. Symbolic links can span filesystems.

When deciding between hard links and symbolic links, consider the requirements of your specific use case and the potential impact of file changes on the links.