I'm learning how to use linux on immersive labs and I've never coded before. Could someone please help me with this question I've been stuck on for a while now. It's related to file permissions in Linux - specifically symbolic linked files. Also, whats the best way to understand, get used to and learn how to navigate linux. Thanks, M. 
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2Please don't post pictures of text– Chris DaviesNov 5, 2019 at 0:12
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1 Answer
Short answer: /etc/passwd
Long answer: to find the name of the actual file/folder that a symbolic link points to, check the info after the -> in the ls -l command. The link passwd in your example is a relative link. The ../.. means that the file/directory is (2) levels above where you're starting from. A link like this is created with the command:
ln -s ../../etc/passwd .
Now, relative links work great, unless they are moved to a different directory level; try moving passwd to .config and the link will be broken. If the link had been created like this:
ln -s /etc/passwd .
then your link would look like this (with ls):
passwd -> /etc/passwd
and it would not matter where the link was moved to.
answered Nov 5, 2019 at 0:10
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Thanks so much, you've solved my problem! I've just started using Linux and I never thought I'd get a reply so quickly. Nov 5, 2019 at 18:44