bash:files:difference_between_a_copy_of_a_file_and_a_hard_link
BASH - Files - Difference between a copy of a file and a hard link
| Item | Number of Files | Edit the File | Delete the File | Disk Space Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| copy | 2 files | The other file is unchanged. | The other file remains. | Twice as much disk space used (two different files) |
| hard link | 1 file | The other file is also edited. | The other file remains. | Only one file on disk. |
| soft link | 1 file + 1 link | The other file is also edited. | If you delete the file the link is broken. | |
| If you remove the link the file stays in place. | Only one file on disk. |
copy:
- There will be two different versions of the file.
- if you edit one, the other one stays the same.
- if you delete one, the other one stays there, but it may not be identical if it was edited.
- Twice as much disk space used (two different files).
hard link:
- There will be one file with two different filenames.
- If you edit one, it gets edited in all filename locations.
- if you delete one, it still exists in other places.
- Only one file on disk.
soft link:
- There is one file with one filename and a pointer to that file with the other filename.
- if you edit the link its really editing the original file.
- if you delete the file the link is broken.
- if you remove the link the file stays in place.
- Only one file on disk.
bash/files/difference_between_a_copy_of_a_file_and_a_hard_link.txt · Last modified: 2022/06/13 10:42 by peter