File System Questions Medium
A file system link, also known as a symbolic link or symlink, is a feature in a file system that allows a file or directory to be referenced by multiple names or paths. It is essentially a pointer or reference to another file or directory within the file system.
A file system link can be created to provide an alternative or shorter path to access a file or directory, making it easier to navigate and organize the file system. It can also be used to create shortcuts or aliases for frequently accessed files or directories.
Unlike a hard link, which creates a direct reference to the file or directory, a file system link creates a separate entry that points to the original file or directory. This means that changes made to the original file or directory will be reflected in all its linked locations.
File system links are commonly used in operating systems like Unix, Linux, and Windows to provide flexibility and convenience in managing files and directories. They can be created using specific commands or through graphical user interfaces provided by the operating system.