What is the difference between hard links and soft links in Linux file system?

Difference between Hard Links and Soft Links in Linux File System

Hard links and soft links are two types of links that can be created in the Linux file system. The main differences between the two are:

Hard Links:

• Hard links create additional directory entries for a file, pointing to the same inode (data structure that stores information about a file) as the original file.
• Changes made to the original file will also be reflected in all hard links that point to it.
• Hard links can only be created within the same file system.
• Removing the original file does not affect the hard links, as they are independent directory entries pointing to the same data.

Soft Links (Symbolic Links):

• Soft links create a separate file that points to the original file by its path.
• Changes made to the original file are not reflected in the soft link.
• Soft links can point to files on different file systems.
• If the original file is deleted, the soft link becomes a "dangling link" and will no longer point to any file.

Overall, hard links are more closely tied to the original file and cannot point to directories, while soft links act as shortcuts to the original file and can point to directories.