Check whether data and data.backup are hard links.
ls -li shows the same inode number for both names.
Which description is correct?
Hard links are separate directory entries referring to one inode. ls -i or stat can reveal the shared inode number.
Detailed explanation
Incorrect. Equal contents alone would not prove a shared inode, but the identical inode number does.
Incorrect. Equal contents alone would not prove a shared inode, but the identical inode number does.
Incorrect. A symbolic link has its own inode and would not simply be identified this way.
Incorrect. A symbolic link has its own inode and would not simply be identified this way.
Correct. Both names are hard links to the same inode.
Correct. Both names are hard links to the same inode.
Incorrect. Editing through either hard-link name changes the same underlying data.
Incorrect. Editing through either hard-link name changes the same underlying data.
Try it yourself
An example you can run in a temporary verification environment.
ls -liExpected result
各名前のinode番号を先頭列に表示するKey points
- The inode number matches
- Ownership and mode are shared
- The names are equal references
Notes
- Environment: GNU coreutils 9.x／Linux
- Command output formatting can vary slightly by distribution or tool version.
- Run the example in a temporary directory or process when possible.
Foundation review
Read the scope first
Check whether the command acts on the current shell, a new process, an existing process, or a file.
Verify the observable result
Use the supplied command and compare the output with the expected result.