Classic SysAdmin: TheLinux FilesystemExplained

Understanding the Linux Filesystem:

1. Introduction:

• The Linux filesystem organizes files and directories in a hierarchical structure crucial for system management.

• Essential for system administrators to manage, troubleshoot, and optimize Linux systems effectively.

1. Filesystem Structure:

• Root Directory (/): Base of the filesystem hierarchy containing all other directories and files.

• Key Directories: /bin (essential binaries), /boot (system boot files), /etc (configuration), /home (user directories), /lib (system libraries), /usr (user programs).

1. Advanced Directories:

• /media and /mnt: /media for auto-mounted external storage, /mnt for manual mounts.

• /opt and /proc: /opt for optional software installs, /proc for runtime system information.

1. Virtual Directories:

• Definition: Dynamically generated during runtime, not stored on disk.

• Examples: /proc (system processes info), /sys (device and driver details).

1. Commands for Navigation:

• cd: Change directory (e.g., cd /home).

• pwd: Print current directory path.

• ls: List files and directories (e.g., ls -l for details, ls -a for hidden files).

• tree: Display filesystem structure in a tree format (e.g., tree /).

1. Best Practices:

• Understand directory functions before making changes (e.g., /etc for configurations, /var for logs).

• Safely use commands like cd, pwd, ls, and tree to navigate and explore.

• Avoid modifying critical directories (/boot, /dev, /sys) without sufficient knowledge.