symlink

A symbolic link, or symlink, is a special type of file that serves as a reference to another file or directory. It contains a path to the target and is interpreted by the operating system when the link is accessed. The target's data is not stored in the symlink itself; opening the link results in opening the target.

Symlinks are common in Unix-like systems and also exist on Windows as reparse points. They differ from hard links in that hard links are additional directory entries that point to the same inode and cannot cross filesystem boundaries or reference directories; symlinks are path-based and can reference files or directories anywhere.

Types include absolute links, which store an absolute path, and relative links, which store a path relative to the link's location. Relative links can break if the link is moved.

Creation and management: In Unix-like systems, create a symlink with ln -s target linkname. On Windows, mklink creates file or directory symlinks (for files, mklink Link Target; for directories, mklink /D Link Target). PowerShell also supports New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path Link -Target Target.

Uses and implications: They provide shortcuts, allow redirection without duplicating data, help manage moved files, and enable certain virtualization or container scenarios. They can complicate backups and permissions because the link itself is just metadata.

Limitations and risks: If the target is moved, renamed, or deleted, the symlink may become dangling. Some programs do not handle symlinks consistently. Filesystem support varies; not all environments preserve symlinks across transfers. Security considerations include potential information disclosure or path traversal if untrusted targets are followed.