Definition
Wikilinks are a syntax for creating internal connections between notes in a personal knowledge management (PKM) system, popularized by Obsidian. They use the format wikilinks.
Why It Matters
Wikilinks are the primary “connective tissue” of the vault. They allow for the creation of a non-linear, emergent knowledge graph where concepts are linked by relationship rather than hierarchy, enabling serendipitous discovery and better memory retention.
Core Concepts
- Internal Linking: Enables navigation without fixed folder structures.
- Backlinks: Automatically tracks which notes point to the current note.
- Aliases: Allows linking to a note using a different display name:
[ [note-name|Display Name] ]. - Hollow Links: Links to files that do not yet exist, serving as placeholders for future concepts.