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09filesystem

Understanding File System Hierarchy and Structure⚓︎

The Linux file system hierarchy defines how files and directories are organized and accessed within the operating system. Unlike Windows, which uses drive letters (C:, D:), Linux has a single root directory (/) under which all other directories and files are contained.

This structure is crucial for system organization, file management, and administrative tasks.

The Root Directory (/)⚓︎

The root directory is the top-most level of the Linux file system. Every other file or directory branches out from /.

Example:

/
├── bin
├── boot
├── dev
├── etc
├── home
├── lib
├── media
├── mnt
├── opt
├── root
├── sbin
├── tmp
├── usr
└── var

Key Directories and Their Functions⚓︎

Directory Description
/bin Contains essential user binaries (commands like ls, cp, mv)
/boot Stores bootloader files and the Linux kernel
/dev Represents hardware devices as files (e.g., /dev/sda)
/etc Holds system configuration files
/home Contains personal directories for each user
/lib Shared libraries required for system programs
/media Mount point for removable media (e.g., USB drives, CDs)
/mnt Temporary mount point for external file systems
/opt Optional software packages installed manually
/root Home directory of the root (superuser) account
/sbin System binaries used for administrative tasks
/tmp Temporary files created by users and applications
/usr User applications, libraries, and documentation
/var Variable data files such as logs, caches, and spool files

Relative vs Absolute Paths⚓︎

  • Absolute Path: Specifies the complete path from the root directory (/).

/home/cyberadmin/Documents/report.txt
* Relative Path: Specifies the path relative to the current working directory.

Documents/report.txt

Special Directory Symbols⚓︎

Symbol Meaning
. Refers to the current directory
.. Refers to the parent directory
~ Refers to the user’s home directory
/ Refers to the root directory
  • View current directory:

pwd
* Change directory:

cd /home/cyberadmin
* List files and directories:

ls -l /