Symbolic Link vs. Alias

hi - can explain me difference between symbolic links , aliases? pros/cons of each, , under circumstances want use 1 on other (and vice versa)?

know mac os x default creates alias when hold down command-option keys while dragging file. . .but beyond that, don't know why or difference between two. insights, , examples why/when use 1 (or wouldn't use one) vs. other help!!

thanks!!
mark

 

well symbolic link filesystem function alias more of special kind of file.

-s links 1 way street point location regardless of there or if changes. if rename destnation folder points nothing. if rename other folder right name points there. symlink in terminal understood hard link.
uses icon of original folder, file ..

alias 2 way stree points file not location hard link.
move file (on same partition) alias won't break.
alias can use own icon. alias doesn't work in command line.

there hard links effectivly true addresses. hard link "is" file, there can multiple hard links different locations point @ same file. long 1 hardlink lives file not deleted.
way break usual folder structure.

movies, music .. folders use symbolic links. never tried happens hard link if points drive isn't mounted currently.

 

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