Welcome back to Day 2 of the 30 Days of Linux Challenge!
Now that you’ve dipped your toes into the terminal and run your first command, it’s time to explore one of the most important parts of the Linux experience: the file system.
📚 Table of Contents
- Everything is a File
- The Root of It All
- Navigating Like a Pro
- Absolute vs Relative Paths
- Why This Matters
Everything is a File
One of the core philosophies of Linux is:
"Everything is a file."
This includes:
- Documents and images
- Directories (folders)
- Devices like USBs and printers
- Even running processes
This consistency gives Linux its power and flexibility.
The Root of It All
In Linux, everything starts from a single root directory: /
From here, the entire system branches out. Here are some of the most common directories:
| Directory | Description |
|---|---|
/bin |
Essential system commands |
/etc |
Configuration files |
/home |
Personal directories for users |
/var |
Logs and variable data |
/usr |
Installed applications and libraries |
/tmp |
Temporary files |
/root |
Home folder of the root user |
/dev |
Represents devices like drives or USBs |
/proc |
Virtual system info files |
Navigating Like a Pro
Here are a few commands you'll use daily:
pwd – Show your current directory
ls
ls -l # Detailed list
ls -a # Show hidden files
cd /etc # Go to etc folder
cd ~ # Go to your home
cd .. # Move up one directory
Absolute vs Relative Paths
Absolute vs Relative Paths
Absolute path: Starts from the root
Example: /home/user/documents
Relative path: Based on your current location
Example: cd documents if you’re already in /home/user
Understanding both makes scripting and navigation much smoother.
Why This Matters
Why This Matters
If you're working toward becoming a:
Linux System Admin
DevOps Engineer
Cloud Architect
Or preparing for exams like RHCSA / Red Hat EX200
…then understanding the Linux file system is non-negotiable.
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