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Input Output Redirection in Linux
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Linux Directory Structure

Last Updated : 07 Jun, 2025
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In Linux, everything is treated as a file even if it is a normal file, a directory, or even a device such as a printer or keyboard. All the directories and files are stored under one root directory which is represented by a forward slash /.

The Linux directory layout follows the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS). This standard defines how directories are organized and what types of files should be stored in each. Since Linux is based on UNIX, it inherits many of its filesystem conventions. Similar directory structures can also be found in other UNIX-like operating systems such as BSD and macOS. Understanding the Linux directory structure is essential for efficient system administration, file management, and problem-solving.

Types of files in the Linux system

Linux categorizes files into different types based on their purpose, such as general data storage, system structure, or device representation.

  1. General Files - It is also called ordinary files. It may be an image, video, program, or simple text file. These types of files can be in ASCII or Binary format. It is the most commonly used file in the Linux system.
  2. Directory Files - These types of files are a warehouse for other file types. It may be a directory file within a directory (subdirectory).
  3. Device Files - In a Windows-like operating system, devices like CD-ROM and hard drives are represented as drive letters like F: G: H, whereas in the Linux system, devices are represented as files. As for example, /dev/sda1, /dev/sda2, and so on.

We know that in a Windows-like operating system, files are stored in different folders on different data drives like C: D: E:, whereas in the Linux/Unix operating system, files are stored in a tree-like structure starting with the root directory, as shown in the diagram below. 

data storage in Linux/Unix operating systems

The Linux/Unix file system hierarchy base begins at the root and everything starts with the root directory. 

Also Read: Linux File Hierarchy Structure

Top-level directories associated with the root directory

These top-level directories under the root (/) form the foundation of the Linux file system, each serving a specific role in organizing system files, user data, and configurations.

DirectoriesDescription
 /bin binary or executable programs.
/etcsystem configuration files.
/homehome directory. It is the default current directory.
/optoptional or third-party software.
/tmptemporary space, typically cleared on reboot.
/usr User related programs.
/var log files.

Some other directories in the Linux system

These directories support core functionality, hardware access, runtime processes, and system-level operations in a Linux environment.

Directories Description
/boot

It contains all the boot-related information files and folders such as conf, grub, etc.

/dev

It is the location of the device files such as dev/sda1, dev/sda2, etc.

/lib

It contains kernel modules and a shared library.

/lost+found

It is used to find recovered bits of corrupted files.

/media

It contains subdirectories where removal media devices are inserted.

/mnt

It contains temporary mount directories for mounting the file system.

/proc

It is a virtual and pseudo-file system to contains info about the running processes with a specific process ID or PID.

/run

It stores volatile runtime data.

/sbin

binary executable programs for an administrator.

/srv 

It contains server-specific and server-related files.

/sys

It is a virtual file system for modern Linux distributions to store and allows modification of the devices connected to the system.

Exploring directories and their usability

We know that Linux is a very complex system that requires an efficient way to start, stop, maintain and reboot a system, unlike Windows operating system. In the Linux system some well-defined configuration files, binaries, main pages information files are available for every process. 

Linux Kernel File:

  • /boot/vmlinux - The Linux kernel file.

Device Files:

  • /dev/hda - Device file for the first IDE HDD.
  • /dev/hdc - A pseudo-device that output garbage output is redirected to /dev/null.

System Configuration Files

A collection of essential configuration files in the /etc directory that define system behavior, user access, boot settings, network rules, and service management in Linux.

Configuration FilesDescription
/etc/bashrcIt is used by bash shell that contains system defaults and aliases.
/etc/crontabA shell script to run specified commands on a predefined time interval.
/etc/exports It contains information on the file system available on the network.
/etc/fstabInformation of the Disk Drive and their mount point.
/etc/group It is a text file to define Information of Security Group.
/etc/grub.confIt is the grub bootloader configuration file.
/etc/init.d Service startup Script.
/etc/lilo.conf  It contains lilo bootloader configuration file.
/etc/hostsInformation of IP and corresponding hostnames
/etc/hosts.allowIt contains a list of hosts allowed accessing services on the local machine.
/etc/host.deny List of hosts denied accessing services on the local machine.
/etc/inittab INIT process and their interaction at the various run levels.
/etc/issueAllows editing the pre-login message.
/etc/modules.confIt contains the configuration files for the system modules.
/etc/motd It contains the message of the day.
/etc/mtab Currently mounted blocks information.
/etc/passwd  It contains username, password of the system, users in a shadow file.
/etc/printcap  It contains printer Information.
/etc/profile Bash shell defaults.
/etc/profile.dIt contains other scripts like application scripts, executed after login.
/etc/rc.d It avoids script duplication.
/etc/rc.d/init.d Run Level Initialisation Script.
/etc/resolv.confDNS being used by System.
/etc/security It contains the name of terminals where root login is possible.
/etc/skelScript that initiates new user home directory.
/etc/termcapAn ASCII file that defines the behavior of different types of the terminal.
/etc/X11Directory tree contains all the conf files for the X-window System.

User Related Files

These directories under /usr contain essential user-space programs, libraries, headers, and shared data used by both regular users and administrators.

User Related FilesDescriptions
/usr/bin It contains most of the executable files.
/usr/bin/X11 Symbolic link of /usr/bin.
/usr/include It contains standard files used by C program.
/usr/shareIt contains architecture independent shareable text files.
/usr/lib It contains object files and libraries.
/usr/sbinIt contains commands for Super User, for System Administration.

Virtual and Pseudo Process Related Files

These /proc files provide real-time system and process information generated dynamically by the Linux kernel.

Virtual and Pseudo Process Related FilesDescriptions
/proc/cpuinfoCPU Information
/proc/filesystemsIt keeps useful info about the processes that are currently running.
/proc/interrupts it keeps the information about the number of interrupts per IRQ.
/proc/ioportsContains all the Input and Output addresses used by devices on the server
/proc/meminfoIt reports the memory usage information.
/proc/modulesCurrently using kernel module.
/proc/mountMounted File-system Information.
/proc/statIt displays the detailed statistics of the current system.
/proc/swaps It contains swap file information.

Version Information File

Quickly view the current Linux OS version using this file.

  • /version - It displays the Linux version information.

Log Files

These files record crucial system events, logins, and activity history for monitoring and troubleshooting.

Log FilesDescriptions
/var/log/lastlog It stores user's last login info.
/var/log/messages It has all the global system messages
/var/log/wtmpIt keeps a history of login and logout information.

To check the Linux directories, open the terminal and execute sudo -s followed by system password to give root privilege. Then after changing the current home directory to the root directory and check the list of all available directories in the base directory as shown below. 

Linux directories
 Linux directories

Conclusion

If we understand the Linux directory's structure correctly, it would be so easy to effectively navigate and manage our filesystem, locate important configuration files, and access system information. One must know that the directory structure and specific file mentioned in this article are based on standard Linux conventions. We must consider that the different Linux distributions may have variations in the directory structure and specific file locations, but overall concept and organization remain similar.


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Input Output Redirection in Linux

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