When you install a Windows operating system, you directly get your C Drive and D Drive, and you can store data in them. However, you might not know where the system files are stored or where your devices are located. As I mentioned, Linux is completely open-source, so you can see everything. Devices, programs, and configurations are stored in specific directories. Here, we will talk about the directory structures in Linux.
The Linux directory structures generally store data in completely different locations compared to Windows. Everything in Linux is stored as files and folders, including devices, which are stored as files within specific folders. These folders have multiple subdirectories and subfolders, each containing specific files.
When you install the operating system, you won’t find any C Drive, D Drive, or a “My Computer” option. Instead, you will find a directory called “slash,” which is represented as “/”, also known as the root directory or mount point. Under this mount point, you will find different directories that we will explore here.
Table of Contents
/bin
The /bin directory contains essential command binaries that are required for basic system operation. Commands like ls, cp, and mv are found here, making it crucial for both system boot and general functionality.
/boot
Similar to the system-reserved partitions in Windows, this directory contains all the booting files necessary for the Linux operating system to start. By default, when you install the Linux operating system, the booting files are loaded into this directory.
/dev
This directory contains all the device files, such as hard disks, partition entries, USB drives, DVD drives, and CD drives. Any device you connect, whether it’s directly attached or hot-pluggable, will be stored here.
/etc
This directory contains configuration files. Any configurations you make, such as defining a hostname, IP address, or server settings (e.g., FTP, IIS), will be stored here.
/home
This directory contains the home directories of all users. Each user has a separate folder in “/home” where their data is stored. For example, if there is a user named “user1,” their data will be stored in “/home/user1.”
/lib
This directory contains library files, which provide help and parameters for various commands and configurations.
/media
This directory is used for automatically mounting hot-pluggable devices like USB drives and DVD drives. When you connect a device, it will be mounted in this directory and visible on your desktop.
/opt
This directory contains optional or add-on application software packages.
/sbin
This directory is for system binaries. It contains essential system binaries, used by the system administrator (root user) for system maintenance.
/srv
The /srv directory is used to store data for services provided by the system, such as web servers or FTP servers. This directory ensures that service-related data is organized and accessible in a structured manner.
/tmp
This directory is used for temporary files. Any temporary data, such as files created during DVD copying or other short-term tasks, is stored here. These files are volatile and are cleared when the system is rebooted.
/usr
This directory contains user programs and applications. Any software or tools installed by users will have their files stored here. It includes sample files and configurations for various programs.
- /usr/bin: Non-essential command binaries.
- /usr/sbin: Non-essential system binaries.
- /usr/lib: Libraries for binaries in /usr/bin and /usr/sbin.
- /usr/share: Architecture-independent data, such as documentation and icons.
- /usr/local: Locally installed software and custom scripts.
/var
This directory contains variable files, such as logs, and databases, and dynamic data like changing IP addresses and DNS information.
- /var/log: Log files.
- /var/spool: Spool files for tasks like printing.
- /var/tmp: Temporary files that should persist between reboots.
/root
This is the home directory for the root user, the system administrator with full privileges.
/proc
This directory provides information about system processes and resources, such as memory usage, CPU information, and device statuses.
/lost+found
This directory contains recovered files that are found after a system crash or file system corruption. Any misplaced data is moved here by default.
This is an overview of the Linux directory structure. When you add a device, it will be added to “/dev.” If you connect a USB drive, it will appear in “/media.” The structure ensures that data is organized in a systematic way, distinct from how data is organized in Windows.
Conclusion
Mastering the directory structure in Linux is fundamental for effective system administration and management. By understanding and leveraging the hierarchical organization of directories, users and administrators can navigate, manage, and secure their Linux systems with confidence. This knowledge forms the bedrock of efficient system operation and problem resolution.
