To understand links you first need the idea of an inode. A file's data and metadata (owner, permissions, timestamps, size, where the data blocks are) live in an inode, identified by a number. A file name is just a directory entry that points to an inode. ls -i shows inode numbers, and the second column of ls -l shows the link count: how many names point to that inode.
Free account
Keep reading for free
Create a free StudyToCert account to read the rest of this lesson: 6 more sections, 5 key terms, a real-world example, an exam tip and self-check questions. Every lesson, lab and practice test is free with an account.