Lecture # 9 - Linux File System

Linux File System and Structure:

The Linux file system, also known as the Linux directory structure or Linux filesystem hierarchy, is the organizational layout of files and directories on a Linux operating system. It follows a hierarchical structure and defines the locations and organization of various system and user files. Understanding the Linux file system is crucial for effectively navigating and managing files on a Linux system.

Key Directories with Purposes:

1. / (Root Directory):

   • The root directory is the top-level directory in the Linux file system hierarchy.

   • It contains all other directories and files on the system.

   • In Linux, all paths start from the root directory (/).

2. /bin (Binary Binaries):

   • Contains essential binary executable files required for system boot and operation.

   • Common system utilities like ls, cp, mv, rm, etc., are located here.

3. /boot:

   • Contains boot loader files and the Linux kernel.

   • Configuration files related to the boot process may also reside here.

4. /dev (Device Files):

   • Contains device files representing hardware devices and pseudo-devices.

   • Each device in Linux is represented as a file, allowing interaction with hardware through file operations.

5. /etc (Configuration Files):

   • Contains system-wide configuration files.

   • Configuration files for various services, applications, and system settings are stored here.

6. /home:

   • Home directories for regular users are typically located here.

   • Each user has their own subdirectory within /home where they can store personal files and configurations.

7. /lib and /lib64 (Libraries):

   • Contains shared libraries required by executable files in /bin and /sbin.

   • /lib typically contains 32-bit libraries, while /lib64 contains 64-bit libraries on 64-bit systems.

8. /media:

   • Mount point for removable media devices such as USB drives, CDs, and DVDs.

9. /mnt (Mount Point):

   • A generic mount point for mounting filesystems temporarily.

   • Often used for mounting external or remote filesystems.

10. /opt (Optional):

    • Contains additional software packages installed on the system.

    • Typically used for installing software that is not part of the official distribution's package management system.

11. /proc (Process Information):

    • A virtual filesystem that provides information about processes and system resources.

    • Information is presented in a hierarchical structure resembling a directory tree.

12. /root:

    • Home directory for the root user (superuser).

    • Root user's personal files and configurations are stored here.

13. /sbin (System Binaries):

    • Contains essential system administration binaries.

    • Commands used for system administration tasks are located here.

14. /srv (Service Data):

    • Contains data files for services provided by the system.

    • Often used by web servers and other network services to store data served by the system.

15. /sys (System):

    • A virtual filesystem that exposes kernel data structures and information about the system's hardware and drivers.

16. /tmp (Temporary):

    • Contains temporary files created by system and users.

    • Files in this directory are typically deleted upon system reboot.

17. /usr (User):

    • Contains user-related programs, libraries, documentation, and source code.

    • Similar to /bin and /lib, but contains non-essential binaries and libraries.

18. /var (Variable):

    • Contains variable data files that are expected to grow or change in size over time.

    • Log files, spool directories, and temporary files for various services are stored here.