Backlinks

Backlinks are one of Foam's most powerful features for knowledge discovery. They automatically show you which notes reference your current note, creating a web of interconnected knowledge that reveals surprising relationships between your ideas.

[📹 Watch: Understanding and using backlinks in Foam]

What Are Backlinks?

A backlink is a connection from another note that points to the note you're currently viewing. While you create forward links intentionally with [[wikilinks]], backlinks are discovered automatically by Foam.

Forward Links vs. Backlinks

Forward Links (what you create):

# Machine Learning Note

I'm studying [[Neural Networks]] and [[Deep Learning]] concepts.

Backlinks (what Foam discovers): If you're viewing the "Neural Networks" note, Foam shows you that "Machine Learning Note" links to it, even though you didn't explicitly create that reverse connection.

This bidirectional linking creates a richer knowledge network than traditional hierarchical folders.

Accessing Backlinks - Connections Panel

The Connections panel shows both forward links and backlinks:

Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
Type "connections" and select "Explorer: Focus on Connections"
Use the filter buttons to show only backlinks, forward links, or all connections

[📹 Watch: Finding and opening the backlinks panel]

Using Backlinks for Knowledge Discovery

1. Finding Unexpected Connections

Backlinks often reveal relationships you didn't consciously create:

Example: While reviewing a "Productivity" note, backlinks might show connections from:

A cooking recipe (time management for meal prep)
A fitness routine (efficient workout planning)
A work project (team productivity strategies)

These diverse connections can spark new insights and cross-domain learning.

2. Identifying Important Concepts

Notes with many backlinks are often central to your thinking:

Hub concepts that connect many ideas
Frequently referenced resources or definitions
Bridge topics that span multiple domains

3. Building Context Around Ideas

Backlinks provide context for how you use concepts across different areas:

How you apply the same principle in various projects
Evolution of your thinking about a topic over time
Different perspectives you've encountered on the same idea

[📹 Watch: Using backlinks for knowledge discovery and research]

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