Understanding the Linux file system hierarchy – Linux File System – Linux operating system

The Linux file system hierarchy defines the organization and structure of files and directories in a Linux operating system. It provides a standardized way to organize system files, user files, devices, and other resources. Here are the key directories and their purposes in the Linux file system hierarchy:

1. /: The root directory is the top-level directory in the file system hierarchy. All other directories and files are located within the root directory.
2. /bin: Contains essential executable binaries (programs) that are available to all users. Common utilities and commands, such as ls, cp, and mkdir, are typically stored here.
3. /boot: Contains files required for booting the system, including the Linux kernel, initial RAM disk (initrd), and boot loader configuration files.
4. /dev: Contains device files that represent and allow access to physical and virtual devices on the system, such as hard drives, USB devices, and terminals.
5. /etc: Contains system-wide configuration files. Various configuration files for services, network settings, user management, and other system components are stored here.
6. /home: Each user on the system has a subdirectory in /home that serves as their home directory. Users can store their personal files and configuration settings in their respective home directories.
7. /lib and /lib64: These directories contain libraries (shared code) required by programs at runtime. /lib holds libraries for 32-bit applications, while /lib64 contains libraries for 64-bit applications.
8. /media and /mnt: Directories used for mounting external devices and file systems. /media is typically used for automatic mounting of removable media, while /mnt is used for manually mounting file systems.
9. /opt: Provides a location for optional or third-party software installations. Applications installed under /opt typically have their own subdirectories.
10. /proc: A virtual file system that provides information about running processes and system resources. It contains files and directories that represent processes and system information.
11. /root: The home directory for the system’s root user (superuser). It is not to be confused with the root directory /.
12. /sbin: Contains system binaries (programs) used for system administration tasks. These binaries are typically executed by the system administrator or during system startup.
13. /tmp: A directory for temporary files. It is generally writable by all users, and files stored here are typically deleted upon system reboot.
14. /usr: Contains user-related programs, libraries, and documentation. It is further organized into subdirectories such as /usr/bin, /usr/lib, /usr/share, and /usr/local.
15. /var: Contains variable data files that change during system operation. It includes log files, spool directories, temporary files, and other dynamic data.

Understanding the Linux file system hierarchy is important for locating and managing files and directories effectively. It ensures consistency across different Linux distributions and allows for a standardized organization of system resources.