Brief Overview: File System in Linux
The File system is used to control how data is stored and retrieved. Each file served a specific purpose. Remember one thing, Everything is a file in Linux. This blog provides a brief overview of a File System in the Linux operating system.
| Directory | Description |
| /root | contains everything in the root directory. It is the home directory of the root user. |
| /bin | User Binaries/ Executable Files for user applications |
| /sbin | system binaries for admin |
| /home | Users home directory |
| /boot | contains files needed to boot the system. e.g. GRUB bootloader |
| /etc | contains configuration files (host-specific). It is used to control the operation of a program. Most popular directory among users. |
| /etc/passwd | password file |
| /etc/group | User group file |
| /etc/shadow | contains shadow password suite |
| /etc/inittab | configuration file for init |
| /dev | contains device files |
| /var | contains variable data files |
| /etc/motd | contains post login message of day file |
| /proc | contains process & kernel information |
| /usr | user programs. It is recommended to keep Linux system files. |
| /lib | contains essential shared libraries and kernel modules needed by the programs on the root file system |
| /media | removable devices |
| /selinux | SELinux configuration files. It contains all policy files and main configuration files. |
| /tmp | contains temporary files |
| /opt | third party applications |
| /srv | contains data for servers |
| /mnt | temporary mount directory |
| /run | used to store temporary data |
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Disclaimer: This tutorial is for educational purpose only. Individual is solely responsible for any illegal act.
