GNU/Linux File System hierarchy (FSH)
The GNU/Linux File System is organized as a hierarchy. If you are coming from a Microsoft Windows Operating System environment, the first thing you may notice is the difference in File System Hierarchy. Unlike Microsoft Windows Operating Systems, which provides a separate hierarchy for every partition, GNU/Linux provides a single hierarchy that includes every partition. The top level directory of the GNU/Linux File System tree is the root directory, represented by a forward slash (/). All other directories come under the root directory (/).
Directory |
Description |
/ |
The root directory, the top-level directory in the FHS. All other directories are subdirectories of root |
/bin |
Essential command line utilities. |
/boot |
Includes Linux startup files, including the Linux kernel. |
/dev |
Device Files |
/etc |
Most of the configuration files are stored here |
/home |
Home directories for almost every user. |
/lib |
Program libraries for the kernel and various command line utilities. |
/media |
The mount point for removable media, including floppy drives, DVDs, and Zip disks. |
/mnt |
A legacy mount point; formerly used for removable media. |
/net |
The standard mount point for network directories |
/opt |
Common location for third-party application files. |
/proc |
A virtual File System. Currently running kernel-related processes, including device assignments such as IRQ ports, I/O addresses, and DMA channels, as well as kernel configuration settings such as IP forwarding. |
/root |
The home directory of root user (superuser) |
/sbin |
System Administration Commands |
/selinux |
Currently configured settings associated with Security Enhanced Linux. |
/tmp |
Temporary files. Red Hat Enterprise Linux deletes all files in this directory periodically. |
/usr |
Programs, libraries, documentation etc. for all user-installed programs. |
/var |
Variable data, including log files and printer spools. |
