A magnet link is a type of hyperlink used primarily for sharing files over peer-to-peer networks, such as those used by BitTorrent. Unlike traditional links that point to a specific file location on a server, magnet links contain information about the file itself, including its unique identifier known as a hash. This allows users to download files directly from other users' devices without needing a central server. When a user clicks on a magnet link, their torrent client software interprets the link and connects to other users sharing the same file. This decentralized approach enhances file sharing efficiency and reduces reliance on any single source, making it a popular choice for distributing large files like movies, music, and software.