Linux File System Hierarchy

Linux File System Hierarchy

The Linux File System Hierarchy is a structured directory system that organizes files and directories in a standardized way. It starts with the root directory /, which serves as the base of the hierarchy. Key directories include:

/bin: Essential user binaries (e.g., ls, cp).
/boot: Files needed to boot the system.
/dev: Device files, representing hardware devices.
/etc: Configuration files for system and applications.
/home: User home directories, where personal files are stored.
/lib: Shared libraries needed by system binaries.
/opt: Optional software packages.
/root: Home directory for the root user.
/sbin: System binaries, typically for administrative tasks.
/tmp: Temporary files that are often deleted on reboot.
/usr: Secondary hierarchy containing user applications and libraries.
/var: Variable data files (e.g., logs, databases).

This structure ensures efficient organization and management of system files, making it easier for users and administrators to navigate and maintain the system.

/

• The root directory, which is the top-level directory in the Linux file system. All other directories are subdirectories of the root.

/boot

• Contains boot loader files, including the Linux kernel and initial RAM disk. This directory is essential for the system's boot process.

/etc

• Holds system configuration files. This is where you can find configurations for services, user settings, and system-wide settings.

/home

• Contains user home directories. Each user has a personal directory under /home where they can store their files and configurations.

/root

• The home directory for the root user (superuser). This is different from the /home directory and is specifically for the system administrator.

/opt

• Used for installing third-party applications. This directory is optional and often contains add-on software packages.

/dev

• Contains device files. These files represent hardware devices and allow users to interact with system hardware.

/var

• Contains variable files, including logs, mail spools, and temporary files that are expected to grow in size over time.

/bin

• Contains essential user binaries (executable files). These commands are required for basic system functionality and are accessible to all users.

/sbin

• Contains system binaries. These commands are typically for system administration and are usually reserved for the superuser.

/usr

• Contains user applications and utilities. This directory includes subdirectories for binaries, libraries, documentation, and other system resources.

/proc

• A virtual filesystem that provides process and kernel information as files. It contains details about system processes and kernel parameters.

/mnt

• A mount directory where users can mount filesystems temporarily, such as external drives or network shares.

/sys

• A virtual filesystem that exposes kernel information and configurations. It provides access to kernel parameters and device settings.

/media

• A mount point for removable devices, such as USB drives and CD/DVDs. It automatically mounts removable media when inserted.

/run

• Contains runtime data for processes started since the last boot. This directory is typically cleared on reboot.

/tmp

• A temporary file system where applications can create temporary files. This directory is usually cleared on reboot and is writable by all users.

/lost+found

• A recovery directory for broken files. It is created on ext2/ext3/ext4 filesystems and holds files recovered after a filesystem check.

/lib

• Contains system libraries that support executable binaries in /bin and /sbin. These libraries are essential for running programs.

/srv

• Contains service data for specific services provided by the system, such as FTP or web services. This directory is used to store data for server applications.

Conclusion
Understanding the Linux file system hierarchy is crucial for effective system administration and navigation. Each directory serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall organization and functionality of the Linux operating system. Familiarizing yourself with these directories will enhance your ability to manage and troubleshoot Linux systems efficiently.