🔍 Linux Directories Explained: Where Everything Lives in Your System 🖥️

💡 Ever wondered what’s inside Linux directories like /etc and /home? 🌐 This simple guide makes it crystal clear—perfect for beginners!

Linux File System Hierarchy (Simplified)

Think of the Linux file system as a tree, with / (root) being the trunk and all the directories branching out from it. Here’s a quick guide to the most important "branches":

1. / (Root Directory)

• This is the starting point of everything in Linux. All files and directories grow from here.

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2. /home (Your Personal Space)

• This is where all user files are stored.
• Each user gets a folder, like /home/descent or /home/devops.
• It’s like your personal “Documents” folder on Windows or macOS.

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3. /etc (Settings and Configs)

• This is where Linux stores configuration files for your system.
• Imagine it as a control center for how things should work.
  • Example: Network settings, user info, and service configurations.

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4. /var (Variable Data)

• This directory is for files that change often.
• Think of it as a logbook or a diary for your system:
  • Logs (/var/log) – Records of what’s happening.
  • Temporary emails, cache, and print jobs.

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5. /bin (Basic Programs)

• Contains essential programs needed to make the system work.
  • Example: Commands like ls, cp, and mv.

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6. /usr (User Programs)

• Holds programs and files that you install, like games or editors.
• It’s like the "Program Files" folder on Windows.

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7. /tmp (Temporary Files)

• A place for temporary files that don’t stick around for long.
• Files here are deleted when you restart your system.

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8. /dev (Devices)

• Where Linux manages devices like your hard drive, USB sticks, or printers.
• These are treated as files in Linux.

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9. /proc and /sys (System Info)

• Special directories that provide real-time info about your system.
  • /proc: Info about running processes.
  • /sys: Info about your hardware.

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10. /boot (Startup Files)

• Contains files needed to boot (start) the operating system.
• Don’t mess with this unless you know what you’re doing!

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11. /opt (Optional Software)

• Used for third-party or optional software.
  • Example: Custom software not part of the standard system, like /opt/myapp.

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12. /sbin (System Binaries)

• Contains system programs needed for administrative tasks.
  • Examples:
  • fsck (disk check).
  • reboot (restart the system).
  • iptables (firewall management).

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13. /media (Removable Media)

• Used for automatically mounting external drives, USB sticks, and DVDs.
  • Example: /media/username/USB_DRIVE when a USB is plugged in.

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14. /mnt (Mounted filesystems)

• Used as a mount point for temporarily mounted filesystems.
  • Example: /mnt/FOLDER

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Summary

• The Linux file system organizes files neatly into specific folders, each with a clear purpose.
• Learning these key directories helps you navigate and manage Linux like a pro!

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