Which statement about symbolic links is true?

• A. Symbolic links reference the same inode as the original file and cannot link directories.
• B. Symbolic links cannot point to directories.
• C. Symbolic links always resolve to the original path when accessed.
• D. Symbolic links are separate small files that reference a path and can point to directories and across filesystems; they can break if the target moves.

Answer: (D)

Symbolic links are separate small files that store a path to a target rather than sharing the target’s inode. This lets them point to files or directories anywhere, even across different filesystems. Because they rely on the path string, they can break if the target is moved, renamed, or removed. Hard links, in contrast, reference the same inode and cannot link directories, which is why the statement about linking directories and inodes is incorrect. A link that always resolves to the original path isn’t guaranteed, since the target may move or disappear and the link would become dangling. The correct idea is that symbolic links reference a path, can point to directories and across filesystems, and can break if the target moves.