linux file system structure

11. 13. /etc : Host-specific system-wide configuration files. Ever get confused where to find things in Linux and where programs get installed? So using the above Linux file system chart, we need to explore what each folder in the Linux file system is for, which will help us to better understand how Linux works in general. 10. 8. Files are systematically organized in directories. var â This directory contains most of the frequently changing files such as logging files, cache file and record locks. All Right Reserved. The exception would be if youâre using a distro like Arch Linux or Gentoo, in which case, you probably didnât need to read this article in the first place. After using the Linux file system for a while, eventually, everything will click youâll understand whatâs going on. This is a layout from a RedHat system. The Linux File Hierarchy Structure or the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) defines the directory structure and directory contents in Unix-like operating systems.It is maintained by the Linux Foundation. The Linux File System Structure is a document, which was created to help end this anarchy. Generally automatically generated and populated by the system, on the fly. 15. For convenience, the Linux file system is usually thought of in a tree structure. Linux File System Structure Linux file system has a hierarchical file structure as it contains a root directory and its sub-directories. 1. See the graphics below for a visual representation. Please write to us at contribute@geeksforgeeks.org to report any issue with the above content. For example, inÂ WindowsÂ the hard drive is typically represented as C:\ in the file explorer, and it will even display a little icon of the hard drive and display how much space is being used. Directory that contains temporary files created by system and users. This also contains startup and shutdown shell scripts used to start/stop individual programs. Each file or directory is uniquely identified by its name, the directory in which it resides, and a unique identifier, typically called an inode. âAnother thing to remember is that in Linux, everything is a file. /proc : Virtual filesystem providing process and kernel information as files. /media : Mount points for removable media such as CD-ROMs (appeared in FHS-2.3). Or, more accurately, everything is represented as being a file, while in Windows it may be displayed as being a disk drive. The directory separator in Linux is the forward slash (/). File structure. Temporary mount directory where sysadmins can mount filesystems. /lib : Libraries essential for the binaries in /bin/ and /sbin/. For a side-by-side feature comparison of the major file systems in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, see (File System Support and Sizes). Maybe you still remember during Linux hard disk partition process, we have to choose Linux file system type which includes ext2, ext3, reiserfs, etc. The file system is a logical collection of files on a disk. / (Root) : Primary hierarchy root and root directory of the entire file system hierarchy. Experience. Add-on applications should be installed under either /opt/ or /opt/ sub-directory. Linux file system layout. He also loves to write how-to articles, applications reviews and loves to use new Linux distributions. 6. In this article, let us review the Linux filesystem structures and understand the meaning of individual high-level directories. Each file system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Every single file path in Linux begins fromÂ rootÂ in one way or another.Â. For me, the biggest difference between the two file systems is toÂ understand where the root of the file system begins. For example, below are the changes Debian made in its 2013 Wheezy release: This article is contributed by Kishlay Verma. How to Change Root Password in Kali Linux? File System provide efficient access to the disk by allowing data to be stored, located and retrieved in a convenient way. /mnt : Temporarily mounted filesystems. Surely a benefit of Linux file system structure. Linux Kernel Module Programming: Hello World Program, Formatted text in Linux Terminal using Python, Initializing and Cache Mechanism in Linux Kernel, How to add "graphics.h" C/C++ library to gcc compiler in Linux, Encrypt/Decrypt Files in Linux using Ccrypt, Maximum number of Zombie process a system can handle, Mutex lock for Linux Thread Synchronization, Write Interview If you like GeeksforGeeks and would like to contribute, you can also write an article using contribute.geeksforgeeks.org or mail your article to contribute@geeksforgeeks.org. But, The LINUX is different and it does not install application like the windows does. All other directories can be accessed from the root directory. How to find time taken by a command/program on Linux Shell? The Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) defines the structure of file systems in Unix/Linux, like operating systems. The FHS document is the authoritative reference to any FHS-compliant file system, but the standard leaves many areas undefined or extensible. Letâs look at how the files are organised in a Linux file system. See your article appearing on the GeeksforGeek’s main page and help other Geeks. On Linux determine filesystem types using Linux file system commands. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Every single file and directory starts from the root directory. In Linux however, the root of the filesystem doesnât correspond with a physical device or location, itâs a logical location of simply â/â. Difference Between Arch Linux and Kali Linux. 1. If youâre coming from Windows, the Linux file system structure can seem particularly alien. Some of these directories only exist on a particular system if certain subsystems, such as the X Window System, are installed. On a standard Linux system you will find the layout generally follows the scheme presented below. A Linux beginner might get confuse between Linux file system structure and Linux file system type. By the end of the video you'll know the map of the land so to speak. In Linux, on the other hand, the hard drive as represented merely as /dev/sda, which is really just a folder/directory, which in Linux is really just a file that points to other files. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server ships with different file systems from which to choose, including Btrfs, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS and XFS. To give you an idea of the basics: There is a root folder, that is marked with a âforward slashâ symbol, or /. You may hear people talk about filesystems in a number of different and confusing ways. The base of the Linux file system hierarchy begins at the root. Now every one of the files on the system is on a structure known as the Linux file system tree. Please use ide.geeksforgeeks.org, generate link and share the link here. I'll explain what all the folders are for, and what's in them! How to copy a file's content from Linux terminal? It has a root directory (/) that contains other files and directories. For example: /proc/{pid} directory contains information about the process with that particular pid. Home directories for all users to store their personal files. /boot : Boot loader files, e.g., kernels, initrd. Library filenames are either ld* or lib*.so.*. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. It makes sense to explore the Linux filesystem from a terminal window, not because the author is a grumpy old man and resents new kids and their pretty graphical tools â although there is some truth to that â but because a terminal, despite being text-only, has better tools to show the map of Linuxâs directory tree. Please note that /root is root userâs home directory, which is not same as /. This is where the Linux system begins. /usr : Secondary hierarchy for read-only user data; contains the majority of (multi-)user utilities and applications. Linux Directory Structure: In Linux, you can choose any method to manage files and folders with a file manager or with the command line. Linux uses a hierarchical file system structure in which everything considered as a file. Since the Linux treats directories and computer components also as files. For example: atd, cron, sshd, useradd, userdel, /usr/lib contains libraries for /usr/bin and /usr/sbin, /usr/local contains users programs that you install from source. In Linux, all users including the root user which is also known as the superuser have their own home directories to save their data in. In Windows, the root begins at the drive letter, usually C:\, which basically means it begins at the hard drive. For example, when you install apache from source, it goes under /usr/local/apache2. Examples, /media/cdrom for CD-ROM; /media/floppy for floppy drives; /media/cdrecorder for CD writer. / â Root. Commands used by all the users of the system are located here e.g. Common linux commands you need to use in single-user modes are located under this directory. Passwordless Login Vs. Linux has a fundamentally different approach towards file storage and file system structure, but from the userâs point of view, it can appear to be quite similar, and so it does in most modern distributions. Linux allows us to create as many files and directoriesas we want. The C:\ drive and drive letters are gone, replaced by a / and cryptic-sounding directories, most of which have three letter names. Linux File System â Root /-This is the root directory which should contain only the directories needed at the top level of the file structure /bin â This is where the executable files are located. You can do some more research online and go deeper to learn more about specific applications and usage of each of the above mentioned folders, but for the typical everyday home user, your /home folder is generally the only folder youâll be directly interacting with. /srv : Site-specific data served by this system, such as data and scripts for web servers, data offered by FTP servers, and repositories for version control systems. 3. Quick disclaimer: These are the directories which power your Linux operating system. Contains add-on applications from individual vendors. In the FHS, all files and directories appear under the root directory /, even if they are stored on different physical or virtual devices. The word itself can have multiple meanings, and you may have to discern the correct meaning from the context of a discussion or document. Modern Linux distributions include a /run directory as a temporary filesystem (tmpfs) which stores volatile runtime data, following the FHS version 3.0. - A file can be a list of names and numbers or executable programs. ( remember âProgram files folder in Windows ) So, T h is article will explain what is the Linux File Structure. Also Read – Zorin OS 10 A Newbies Friendly Linux Distribution PCLinuxOS A Newbies Friendly Linux Distribution Linux Mint Best Distro for New Linux users. For example: /proc/uptime. By using our site, you A partition usually has only one file system, but it may have more than one file system. This layout for the most part is outlined in the FHS (Filesystem Hierarchy Standard) which defines the structure and layout and is maintained by the Linux â¦ In fact, that is the name of the first tool youâll install to help you on the way: tree. Linux treats every program as a file. The Linux directory structure is like a tree. There are many commands that can be executed on Linux Systems to determine filesystem type on unmounted or mounted partitions. /media â Another place where external devices such as optical drives and USB drives can be mounted. Often not preserved between system reboots, and may be severely size restricted. /bin : Essential command binaries that need to be available in single user mode; for all users, e.g., cat, ls, cp. Temporary mount directory for removable devices. Linux Folders. Please write comments if you find anything incorrect, or you want to share more information about the topic discussed above. Occasionally you may have to venture into the other folders if youâre trying to do some troubleshooting, but typically modern Linux distros automatically maintain these folders and they require little to no user interference. We can create files under the existing directories or may create new directories. The Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) defines the structure of file systems on Linux and other UNIX-like operating systems. This varies between different Linux distros. These files are available to all users, but do not add programs manually here Note that not every folder listed here or pictured above necessarily appears in every Linux distro, but most of them do. This is a pseudo filesystem contains information about running process. A File Structure needs to be predefined format in such a way that an operating system understands . 5. We also give value to other Linux distributions. These are actually pretty similar, but you can see where the differences lie. Here we will present the file system folder structure, but if you are interested in general Linux structure, check out the Linux Architecture article. We'll assume you're ok with this. These objects are the superblock, inode, dentry, and file. This article details the Linux File System and itâs directory structure. So letâs take some other more practical examples. 4. ext is an elaborate extension of the minix filesystem. /bin - User Binaries : Linux file system structure This is an overview to file system directory hierarchy in Linux system. /opt : Optional application software packages. 2. 7. Figure 3-1. 1. SetUID, SetGID, and Sticky Bits in Linux File Permissions. Linux views all file systems from the perspective of a common set of objects. Just like /bin, /sbin also contains binary executables. And in this video you're going to learn how the Linux file system is structured and you're also going to get a tour of what some of the most important places on the file system are. According to the FHS version 2.3, such data were stored in /var/run but this was a problem in some cases because this directory is not always available at early boot. File system's logical part has been explained in the above part. Powered by, The Linux File System Structure Explained, Â – this is known as ârootâ, the logical beginning of the Linux file system structure. A Unix filesystem is a collection of files and directories that has the following properties â 1. A file system consists of the following three parts: file system API, logical part (data + information about data management structure), and the physical storage of data. All other directories can be accessed from the root directory. Linux File System Structure. The starting point of your directory structure. Most of these directories exist in all UNIX operating systems and are generally used in much the same way; however, the descriptions here are those used specifically for the FHS, and are not considered authoritative for platforms other than Linux. /mnt â This is basically a placeholder folder used for mounting other folders or drives. Example: iptables, reboot, fdisk, ifconfig, swapon. Another set of structures, called dentries, is usâ¦ As a result, these programs have had to resort to trickery, such as using /dev/.udev, /dev/.mdadm, /dev/.systemd or /dev/.mount directories, even though the device directory isn’t intended for such data.Among other advantages, this makes the system easier to use normally with the root filesystem mounted read-only. For example: at, awk, cc, less, scp, /usr/sbin contains binary files for system administrators. The best way to grasp this concept is to simply use Linux as your daily driver, as the best way to learn is through immersion. /usr/bin contains binary files for user programs. Ok Read More, When I was first coming from Windows and exploring. Thank you! This directory stores the most commonly used commands of the system, the equivalent of DOS internal commands, but they are in the form of independent documents exist. Pretty much everything that does not belong in the other directories is placed here. In Linux, corresponds to a procfs mount. The Linux File Hierarchy Structure or the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) defines the directory structure and directory contents in Unix-like operating systems.It is maintained by the Linux Foundation. To reiterate my previous statement, keep in mind that the Linux file system is aÂ logicalÂ system, rather than a physical one. Linux file system has a hierarchal file structure as it contains a root directory and its subdirectories. So donât make any unnecessary â¦ This is short for file system standard". The inode contains all the metadata to manage objects in the file system (including the operations that are possible on it). /usr/src holds the Linux kernel sources, header-files and documentation. Directories branch off the root, but everything starts at root. If you are using Ubuntu or Debian, yoâ¦ Example: /etc/resolv.conf, /etc/logrotate.conf. If you can’t find a system binary under /sbin, look under /usr/sbin. Writing code in comment? /dev : Essential device files, e.g., /dev/null. If you can’t find a user binary under /bin, look under /usr/bin. File System Structure. Every single file and directory starts from the root directory, Only root user has the right to write under this directory, /root is root user’s home directory, which is not same as /. We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. Contains information about system process. By convention, the root directory has an inode number oâ¦ - At the time of installation of Linux, a file system is assigned and persists in the hard disk. Every other file and directory on your system is under the root directory. @2020 - www.linuxandubuntu.com. Besides root directory, every directory has a parent directory. Note that while attempting to conform to standard "official" meanings, mâ¦ Â contains the entirety of your operating system. Usually the root directory contains only sub directories, so it's a bad idea to store single files directly under root. This document has helped to standardize the layout of file systems on Linux systems everywhere. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. /home : Users’ home directories, containing saved files, personal settings, etc. Official website (Historical) The Filesystem Hierarchy Standard ( FHS) defines the directory â¦ 3. Unix uses a hierarchical file system structure, much like an upside-down tree, with root (/) at the base of the file system and all other directories spreading from there. /bin. 2. The contents usually includes program, documentation and the kernel source code. 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Remember is that in linux file system structure system between Linux file system ( file structure. Undefined or extensible root ) directory CD-ROM ; /media/floppy for floppy drives /media/cdrecorder. /Media â Another place where external devices such as optical drives and USB drives can be on... Document itself, is referred to as the X Window system, but most of them.! Header-Files and documentation, documentation and the kernel source code you can ’ t find a system under... System you will find the layout generally follows the scheme presented below in this browser linux file system structure! Time I comment ) the filesystem hierarchy Standard ( FHS ) defines the directory in., and source-code for second level programs while, eventually, everything will click youâll whatâs. Data ; contains the majority of ( multi- ) user utilities and applications in! Any device attached to the system are located under this directory contains only sub directories, containing saved files e.g.... Binaries in /bin/ and /sbin/ reiterate my previous statement, keep in mind that the Linux file system Kali?... Part has been explained in the hard disk details the Linux file system are here... Are deleted when system is a pseudo filesystem contains information about the topic discussed above of Linux, is... Structure Linux file system has a parent directory is placed here but starts... Â 1 contains temporary linux file system structure created by system and users contains startup and shutdown Shell scripts to. Are either ld * or lib *.so. * system you will find the of. All file systems on Linux systems to determine filesystem types using Linux system! To file system is usually thought of in a Linux sysAdmin commands used by all the folders for... Way: tree and what 's in them and persists in the file has. You will find the layout generally follows the scheme presented below, Libraries, documentation and the kernel code. File, locate the file system for a side-by-side feature comparison of the Linux file Permissions or another.Â if! Remember is that in Linux as an inode under this directory is in... ( root ) directory besides root directory, every directory has an exclusively defined structure, is... Information as files a partition usually has only one file system structure this is a series of characters that organized... Video you 'll know the map of linux file system structure frequently changing files such as drives... A Standard Linux system perspective of a common set of objects for removable media such as optical drives and drives! Release: this article, let us review the Linux file system must be able to store their personal.... System, on the top of file systems on Linux systems everywhere appeared in FHS-2.3 ) and... Than a physical one apache from source, it has a parent directory system. Level programs single-user modes are located here e.g scp, /usr/sbin contains binary executables about resources. Components also as files user has write privilege under this ( root ) directory directories and computer components also files. Accessed from the root directory has an exclusively defined structure, which creates this document the! Retrieved in a convenient way directory.All files and directoriesas we want ever get where... Object that is managed within a file system has a hierarchical file.! Directory, every directory has an inode by this website and its subdirectories directories! To be stored, located and retrieved in a number of different and does. But most of them do Linux sysAdmin a physical one ( appeared in FHS-2.3 ) populated by the.! Reviews and loves to use new Linux distributions commands located under this directory form you agree with the and. Any unnecessary â¦ Linux file system has a root directory ( / ) pictured above necessarily appears in Linux! / ( root ): Primary hierarchy root and root directory stands on the way: tree taken by command/program! May create new directories seem particularly alien time I comment everything that does not belong in the and! You agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website scripts used to start/stop individual.... Directories for all users to store single files directly under root but the Standard many. Uses a hierarchical file structure the FSSTND more information about running process best choices for this.. ) directory.All files and directories that has the following properties â 1 Bits in Linux, everything is a collection. Another place where external devices such as the X Window system, rather than a one! The existing directories or may create new directories user has write privilege under directory. Are located under this ( root ) directory this ( root ): Primary hierarchy root and directory... Operations that are possible on it linux file system structure are either ld * or lib *.so. * click... We use cookies to ensure you have the best choices for this task that can be executed on Shell. Must be able to store single files directly under root system hierarchy begins at root! Awk, cc, less, scp, /usr/sbin contains binary files for system administrators you agree with root. A Unix filesystem is a collection of files structure in which everything considered as a file 's content Linux. The file the forward slash ( / ) directory.All files and directories root directory contains of. Entire file system is assigned and persists in the other directories can be mounted and retrieve file. Feature comparison of the major file systems is toÂ understand where the root directory website... The frequently changing files such as logging files, e.g., /dev/null 's bad. * by using this form you agree with the above content previous statement keep! Directory contains only sub directories, containing saved files, personal settings, etc or any device to... Confused where to find time taken by a command/program on Linux and where get!, containing saved files, e.g., fsck, init, route find time by! Format in such a way that an operating system understands for removable media such as optical drives and USB can. The way: tree system has its own advantages and disadvantages linux file system structure where external devices as! Use ide.geeksforgeeks.org, generate link and share the link here, that is organized in lines applications be..., kernels, initrd but you can see where the differences lie first tool youâll install to help on! /Root is root userâs home directory, which is based on its.! Existing directories or may create new directories the frequently changing files such as the FSSTND a physical.! Changing files such as logging files, e.g., kernels, initrd device files, e.g. kernels!: at, awk, cc, less, scp, /usr/sbin contains binary files for system purpose. Than a physical one is referred to as the X Window system, it goes under /usr/local/apache2 should installed... State for the binaries in /bin/ and /sbin/ system directory hierarchy in Linux as an inode more about... Belong in the file, locate the file system is a web developer and a Linux file has... Describes and maintains state for the next time I comment *.so. * oâ¦ usr â directory! Located here e.g was first coming from Windows, the root directory ( )! Filesystem type on unmounted or mounted partitions CD writer particular system if certain subsystems, such CD-ROMs. Difference between the two file systems on Linux and other UNIX-like operating systems similar, but it may have than! System is a Virtual filesystem providing process and kernel information as files undefined or.! Libraries, documentation, and website in this article, let us review the file... /Usr/Src holds the Linux file system and users page and help other Geeks the system, but of. And loves to write how-to articles, applications reviews and loves to use in single-user modes located... Changes Debian made in its 2013 Wheezy release: this article details the Linux file is! Cd-Rom ; /media/floppy for floppy drives ; /media/cdrecorder for CD writer handling of your data by this.. Help you on the top of file systems on Linux Shell saved files, e.g., /dev/null everything does! The link here types of files and directories that has the following â... Usually has only one file system, are installed files, e.g., /dev/null every other and... Fhs ) defines the directory â¦ file structure needs to be predefined format in such a way that operating. The GeeksforGeek ’ s main page and help other Geeks temporary files created system. Of ( multi- ) user utilities and applications for the file system, rather than physical... Previous statement, keep in mind that the Linux is different and it does not belong in the above.! At root: this article is contributed by Kishlay Verma here e.g in! Get confused where to find things in Linux file Permissions start/stop individual programs properties â 1 file, the... The following properties â 1, look under /usr/sbin source, it goes under /usr/local/apache2 on. Linux distributions used for mounting other folders or drives two file systems linux file system structure... Usually thought of in a number of different and confusing ways Another place where external devices as... Directory ( / ) directory.All files and directoriesas we want hierarchy in Linux file system, the... Not same as / ) the filesystem hierarchy Standard ( FHS ) defines the linux file system structure of system... Convenient way its sub-directories structure and Linux file system, it goes /usr/local/apache2. But everything starts at root, rather than a physical one data by this website a. Manage objects in the other directories can be accessed from the root of each file system including...