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

Hard links and soft links are both concepts used to create links in a file system, with the main difference between them as follows:

1. Hard link:

1. A hard link is a different link that points to the same physical file data block with multiple file names.
2. Hard links can only be created within the same file system and cannot cross file systems.
3. If the original file is deleted, the hard link file can still access the content of the original file.
4. Hard links cannot link directories.

1. Symbolic link

1. A soft link is a pointer to another file, similar to a shortcut in Windows.
2. Symbolic links can span across file system boundaries and can link directories.
3. If the original file is deleted, the symbolic link will become a broken link.
4. Symbolic links can point to files or directories that do not exist.

Overall, hard links and soft links differ in their creation methods, the objects they are allowed to link to, their ability to cross file systems, and their handling of the deletion of the original file.