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UNIX File Structure
In order to understand UNIX better, an understanding of the file structure is required.
The UNIX file structure basically looks like a family tree or an organizational chart. The top-most level of the file structure is the root directory or “/” in UNIX. Going down the file structure there are many other sub directories.
Now, different systems may have different sub directories but I list the few important ones.
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Don’t worry if it’s a little confusing. You do not have to know all of them in detail, but it is good to know what they are.
| / |
The root directory. |
| /bin/ |
This is where the binary files or programs are located. |
| /tmp/ |
Temporary files are located here and are deleted after some time. |
| /dev/ |
Special devices or interfaces to devices like your hard disk or CD-ROM are placed here. |
| /home/ |
Home directories for users are placed here. |
| /lib/ |
Program libraries and operating systems are located here. |
| /etc/ |
System configuration and settings are found here. |
| /mnt/ |
This is usually where the mount points are created. |
Just like in DOS, we have to type out the entire path or we have to be in the folder containing the file; if you want to access or run a file.
