Linux file structure explained

Introduction

Linux is indeed widely used as an operating system for servers due to its various advantages, such as stability, security, flexibility, and open-source nature.

To set up Linux on your machine, you can use virtualization software like VirtualBox. It allows you to create and run virtual machines, enabling you to install and use different operating systems within your existing Windows OS environment.

Once you have installed Ubuntu on VirtualBox, you can explore and study the Linux file system. Understanding the Linux file system hierarchy is essential for navigating and managing files and directories effectively. It helps you understand where different types of files are stored and how they are organized.

By studying the Linux file system, you can learn about important directories like the root directory (/), the /bin directory containing essential binaries, the /boot directory with boot-related files, the /dev directory for device files, the /etc directory for system-wide configurations, and many more.

Exploring the Linux file system will give you insights into the overall structure and organization of the operating system, allowing you to work with files, manage configurations, and perform system administration tasks efficiently.

Let me tell you the important thing about the OS kernel is the heart of the OS that manages most of the tasks like starting the application, closing, booting, managing hardware resources and more.

File system

1. (root): This is the top-level directory in the file system hierarchy. All other directories and files are located within it.

2. /bin: Essential system binaries (executable files) are stored in this directory. These binaries are accessible to all users and are necessary for basic system functionality.

3. /boot: This directory contains the files needed for the system boot process, such as the Linux kernel, initial RAM disk (initrd), and boot loader configuration.

4. /dev: This directory contains device files that represent various hardware devices and peripherals on the system, including disk drives, input/output devices, and more.

5. /etc: System-wide configuration files are stored in this directory. It includes configuration files for the operating system, services, applications, and other system-related settings.

6. /home: Each user on the system has a separate directory within /home to store their personal files, documents, and settings.

7. /lib and /lib64: These directories contain shared libraries (dynamic link libraries) required by the system and applications. /lib is used for 32-bit libraries, while /lib64 is for 64-bit libraries.

8. /media and /mnt: These directories are used as mount points for removable media devices (such as USB drives) and manually mounted file systems, respectively.

9. /opt: This directory is often used for installing additional software packages or applications that are not part of the default system installation.

10. /proc and /sys: These directories provide interfaces to the kernel and allow access to system and hardware information. They are known as virtual file systems and provide real-time information about processes, system resources, and device configurations.

11. /srv: This directory is used for data files of services provided by the system.

12. /tmp: Temporary files are stored in this directory. It is typically used for storing temporary data that is deleted upon system reboot.

13. /usr: This directory contains various subdirectories where user-related files and applications are stored, including binaries, libraries, documentation, and shared data.

14. /var: Variable data files that are expected to change during system operation are stored in this directory. It includes log files, spool files, cached data, and more.

    In older versions of Unix-like operating systems, including Linux, the root directory (/) used to house important system directories such as /bin, /lib, /usr, and others. This structure has evolved over time to enhance security and enable a more modular system. As storage capacity has increased, it is now common to find similar files and directories in both the root and usr folders. This change reflects the improved availability of storage resources, eliminating the need for strict separation between these directories due to storage limitations. The modern directory structure aims to optimize system management and facilitate efficient resource utilization.