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Linux Beginner

What is File Permissions?

A security mechanism that controls who can read, write, or execute files and directories in Unix-like systems.

Linux file permissions use a three-tier system: owner, group, and others. Each tier can have read (r=4), write (w=2), and execute (x=1) permissions. For example, chmod 755 grants the owner full access while giving read and execute access to everyone else.

Special permissions include SUID, SGID, and the sticky bit, which provide additional access control for specific use cases.

Related Terms

Chroot
A mechanism that changes the apparent root directory for a process and its children, creating an isolated filesystem view.
Crontab Syntax
The time specification format used in cron job scheduling, with five fields defining minute, hour, day of month, month, and day of week.
Sysfs (/sys)
A virtual filesystem that exports information about kernel subsystems, hardware devices, and device drivers in a structured hierarchy.
SSH (Secure Shell)
A cryptographic network protocol for secure remote login and command execution over an unsecured network.
Cron Job
A scheduled task in Unix-like systems that runs automatically at specified times or intervals.
SELinux
Security-Enhanced Linux — a mandatory access control system that confines programs to minimum required privileges beyond standard file permissions.
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