File System Questions Medium
A file system symbolic link, also known as a symlink or soft link, is a special type of file that acts as a pointer or reference to another file or directory in a file system. It allows for the creation of shortcuts or aliases to files or directories, providing a convenient way to access them without having to navigate through the entire file system hierarchy.
When a symbolic link is created, it contains the path or location of the target file or directory. When accessed or opened, the operating system transparently redirects the request to the target file or directory, making it appear as if the symlink itself is the actual file or directory.
Symbolic links are different from hard links, which are direct references to the target file or directory. Unlike hard links, symbolic links can span across different file systems or even different machines, as they are not tied to the physical location of the target.
Symbolic links are commonly used in operating systems to provide flexibility and convenience. They can be used to create shortcuts to frequently accessed files or directories, simplify complex directory structures, or enable compatibility between different versions or locations of files.
However, it is important to note that if the target file or directory is moved or deleted, the symbolic link will become broken or invalid, as it still points to the original location. Additionally, symbolic links may introduce some performance overhead, as the operating system needs to resolve the link to the target file or directory each time it is accessed.
Overall, symbolic links are a powerful feature of file systems that enhance the usability and organization of files and directories, providing a flexible and efficient way to manage and access them.