Linux Filesystem: An easy introduction

If you have started learning Linux you must know that, learning about the Linux Filesystem is step 1 of learning Linux. If you are looking to create a career in IT industry in almost any sector, and you don’t know about the Linux Operating system here is why you should learn Linux in 2023.

What is a Linux Filesystem

Linux is one of the most popular operating systems. To learn linux one must learn the linux filesystem. The file system hierarchy in Linux is the organization of files and directories in a logical structure. This hierarchy provides a standard way of organizing files in a Linux system, making it easier for users to find and manage their files. The root of the file system hierarchy is the ‘/’ (root) directory, and all other files and directories are located under this directory.

Here are the main components of the Linux file system hierarchy:

1. /root: This directory is the home directory of the root user. This user has complete control over the system and is responsible for system administration tasks.
2. /bin: This directory contains the executable files that are necessary for the system to function. These files are used by both the system and users.
3. /sbin: This directory contains executable files that are used only by the system administrator. These files are not intended to be used by normal users.
4. /usr: This directory contains files that are shared by multiple users. This directory contains subdirectories for local documentation, games, include files for programming, libraries, and shareable files.
5. /dev: This directory contains device files, which represent devices that are connected to the system, such as disks and terminals.
6. /proc: This directory contains information about the system and its processes. This information is stored as files and can be accessed and manipulated like any other file.
7. /var: This directory contains files that change frequently, such as log files and data files for running services.
8. /tmp: This directory is used for storing temporary files. Files in this directory are automatically deleted when the system is rebooted.
9. /etc: This directory contains configuration files for the system and installed applications.

In conclusion, the Linux file system hierarchy provides a standard way of organizing files and directories in a Linux system. Understanding the components of the hierarchy can help users navigate the file system and manage their files more effectively. The main components of the hierarchy include the /root, /bin, /sbin, /usr, /dev, /proc, /var, /tmp, and /etc directories.

Now that you know about the Linux filesystem you might be interested in how to navigate the linux filesystem from the terminal.