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

#linux #cli #ubuntu

💡 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.

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.

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.

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.

5. /bin (Basic Programs)

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

6. /usr (User Programs)

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

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.

8. /dev (Devices)

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

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.

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!

11. /opt (Optional Software)

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

12. /sbin (System Binaries)

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

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.

14. /mnt (Mounted filesystems)

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

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!

Support if you found this helpful😉

No Money 🙅🏻‍♀️ just Subscribe to me YouTube channel.

Linktree Profile: https://linktr.ee/DevOps_Descent
GitHub: https://github.com/devopsdescent