A Finder alias or symbolic link points to another item. Its displayed name and location are not the target’s storage location.
Removing a reference normally does not remove the target, but applications, scripts, projects, and users can depend on it.
Reveal and verify the target before changing either item. A broken link can remain after the target moves or disappears.
Duplicate and size tools can handle links differently to avoid double counting or traversal loops.
Do not replace a link with a copied target unless you understand the workflow and storage impact.