Question: What is a backlink
buhtz opened this issue · 1 comments
Sorry for asking this via Issue but I could not find a better place. I still asked that in forum.
I am new to Zettelkasten-method and work with zetteldeft (~ 10 real Zettel in it).
My problem is that I do not understand the concept of backlinks especially in the context of zetteldeft. What is it and how to use it?
For me It makes no difference if I create a "normal" link or a backlink in a Zettel. Both links are pointing to the same Zettel.
From the meaning of the word I would assume that a "backlink" would create a bidirectional relation by default.
Let's assume I have opened Zettel A
.
I insert a backlink to Zettel B
.
A
now has the link to B
.
But in A
is a new and automatic created link (back) to A
, too.
But this does not happen also.
So what is backlinking about?
I'll admit the term is confusing, and perhaps I should have thought of a different name.
A backlink is not special in any technical sense -- it's a plain Zetteldeft link, just like any other.
I call a backlink as a link that refers "back" to a parent note, or any overarching note that can be seen as broader parent note. So it is used to indicate hierarchy, but it's not restrictive (as in: notes can have multiple backlinks).
Backlinks are not automatically created or anytying. They are simply a way to add structure to your web of notes.
I hope this clarifies things. Also, I've slightly modified the relevant note in zd-tutorial
, so you might want to check it out: https://github.com/EFLS/zd-tutorial/blob/master/2020-09-22-0855%20Backlinks.org
EDIT: I've also replied to your question on the Zettelkasten forum, here https://forum.zettelkasten.de/discussion/comment/13048/#Comment_13048