Introduction

Linux Directory Structure

Linux is a popular operating system known for it’s stability and flexibility. One key aspect to grasp is it’s directory structure. Unlike Windows, which uses drive letters, Linux organizes it’s files and folders in a tree-like structure. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Linux directory structure, with some practical examples.

The Root Directory (/)

At the top of the Linux file system is the root directory, marked with a single forward slash (/). It’s like the starting point for everything in Linux. All other directories and files branch out from here, making it the core of the file system.

Key Directories:

/bin and /sbin:

/bin stores essential system commands that are always available, even in emergencies. Think of these as the basic tools you need to keep the system running.

Some examples of commands found in /bin include:

  • ls: Lists the contents of a directory
  • cat: Displays the contents of a file
  • cp: Copies files and directories
  • mv: Moves files and directories
  • rm: Deletes files and directories

/sbin holds system commands used for system administration tasks. These are meant for use by the system administrator.

Some examples of commands found in /sbin include:

  • fdisk: Manages disk partitions
  • mount: Mounts a filesystem
  • umount: Unmounts a filesystem
  • shutdown: Shuts down the system
  • reboot: Reboots the system

/etc:

The /etc directory stores system-wide settings and configurations. For example, if you want to tweak network settings or user preferences, you’ll find the files here.

Some examples of files found in /etc include:

  • fstab: Specifies which file systems to mount at boot time
  • hosts: Maps hostnames to IP addresses
  • passwd: Stores user account information
  • shadow: Stores encrypted user passwords

/home:

Each user gets their own folder within /home. For instance, if your username is “john,” your home directory is /home/john. This is where you keep your personal files and settings.

Some examples of files and directories found in /home/john include:

  • .bashrc: Contains configuration settings for the Bash shell
  • Documents: Stores user documents
  • Downloads: Stores downloaded files
  • Music: Stores user music files
  • Pictures: Stores user picture files

/var:

/var stores files that change during system operation. This includes logs, databases, and temporary files used by services like email.

Some examples of files and directories found in /var include:

  • log: Stores system logs
  • mail: Stores user email
  • spool: Stores print jobs and other temporary files

/tmp:

The /tmp directory is a temporary storage area for files you need only briefly. For instance, when a web browser downloads a file, it may temporarily save it here.

/usr:

/usr is home to user-related programs, libraries, and documentation. It’s split into subdirectories like /usr/bin (for programs) and /usr/lib (for libraries).

Some examples of files and directories found in /usr include:

  • /usr/bin: Contains commonly used user programs, such as Firefox, Chrome, and LibreOffice
  • /usr/lib: Contains shared libraries needed by user programs
  • /usr/share: Contains documentation, fonts, and other resources used by user programs

/lib:

/lib holds crucial shared libraries needed for starting the system and running basic commands. These are essential for system functioning.

/opt:

/opt is a place for optional software packages. This is where you’d find third-party applications, keeping them separate from the core system.

Conclusion

Understanding the Linux directory structure is fundamental when working with Linux. It helps you efficiently manage and locate files and directories, ensuring system stability and security. Each directory serves a specific purpose, making system administration and troubleshooting more straightforward. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, knowing this structure is key to effectively using Linux.